John Moran shows the amazing natural
wonders of Florida through his creative
photography PAGE 9A

ewS Su

so
p'sJ ' "'

s.. n" rey collar)
.-gi? I .. I

SCall 381-7370 or 402-
i I & Ask for Jeri!

Highlands County's Hometown Newspaper Since 1927

Sunday, January 13, 2008 www.newssun.com Volume 89/Number 6 75 cents

Pig Fest

a feast

for eyes,

taste

buds

By KEVIN J. SHUTT
kev'in.slliirrht@I ss@.uti n .oni
SEBRING Finger-
lickin' good goes only so far
at the 12 Hours of BBQ.
Evenly split among seven
tables .' ,secluded judges
snifWd P0 d, observed,
sampled then ped their fin-
A igeS.1turl afternoon as
th e e ir way to this
year grand champion.
"You taste your food with
your eyes first," said veteran
Florida Barbecue Association Ray Brown, a
judge Gregg Snyder, of County, came
Geor a. Snyder, genera
Schise's foray in
Having just pecked their eran of barbec
way through the chicken petition is toul
entries, Snyder and other must all be do
judges at his table took a
break and discussed what
they're looking for. ing their pas
Presentation is important on for bar
they agreed, explaining t ie y
food must beckon you,l eoa y taoike
ing feelings of greed, I lot, it y seri-
wanting to share. h
"Do you want to eat id. "All

dive right in?" said Snyder,
who's judged more than 100
competitions from the
nation's capital to Sebring.
The judges, unless they
become FBA representatives,
receive no payment and no
reimbursement for travel
expenses such as gas and
lodging.
Nonetheless, they drive
from as far as Alabama,
eor, and Virginia.
X 'Tned FBA Rep. Donna
R]ay', e judges become
fri as they travel the com-
Iive cooking circuit, shar-

Woody's BBQ general manager in Brvrd
to the 12 Hours of BBQ to help DebJl) ,
al manager of Sebring's Woody's, with t
nto competition cooking. Brown, a 15-year vet-
ue catering with the restaurant, said the com-
gher because there's no pre-cooking allowed. It
)ne on the fairgrounds.

Visit the 'News-Sun'
Web site at
WWw.newSSII .ComI
for contest results

tney get is the tood they eat.
They become a big family."
Skip Adams, co-chairman
of the affectionately-dubbed
Pig Fest, reiterated the seri-
ousness, if not professional-
ism, of the contests.
The judges must attend an
FBA course to become certi-
fied, learning how to discern
proper smoking techniques by
looking at, then tasting, vari-
ous meats.
"The whole credibility of
the contest lies in the judg-
ing," Adams said, acknowl-
edging there are rumblings at

every contest of
bias or judges
with poor taste.
But, the taste-
testing is "blind"
and, in this case,

"off site" the
judges are far removed from
the festive atmosphere of row
upon row of cook teams.
Some competitions hold
their judging "on site,"
explained Snyder.
On-site, a team's represen-
tative gives an oral presenta-
tion to the judges. Often,
they're entertaining tall tales
about a secret recipe that orig-
inated with a great-great
grandmother and passed dowi
through the generations i
More often than iAt,
Snyder doesn't buy theA c
See FEAST, page 3A

By MATT MURPHY
mIatt.IuI)IirplIy@ ll(' ,'.ssil .tin. ill
SEBRING The Florida
primaries are just weeks
away. but the Presidential
race isn't the only thing on
the Jan. 29 ballots. Election
day will also determine
whether the property tax
amendment, which will
expand the state's Homestead
Exemption, will become law.
And at 11:30 a.m.
Wednesday at the Kenilworth
Lodge, Speaker of the House
Marco Rubio (R-Miami), will
be speaking. Rubio's pres-
ence is appropriate, given
that he was the man who
introduced the amendment in
Tallahassee last year.
Rubio will be "informing
voters on what they're look-
ing at on the ballot," said Dan
Andrews, president/chief
executive officer of the
Greater Sebring Chamber of
Commerce. "And if time
allows, we will open it up for
questions."
Andrews added that
although the amendment
"will be the primary discus-
sion, we will open the floor to
discussion about other issues
or questions anyone might
have."
The event is sponsored by
Leadership Highlands.
Admission is $15 for the pub-
lic and $10 for alumni or
members of the current class
of Leadership Highlands.
Lunch will be served.
Reservations will be guar-
anteed if made by Monday,
and around 100 seats will be
available, Andrews said. For
more information or to make
reservations. contact the
Greater Sebring Chamber of
Commerce at 385-8448. or e-
mail them at information@
sebring.org.

News-Sun photo by KATARA SIMMONS
Nancy Reancy, Lake Placid, stands outside one of two grow houses the Highlands County
Sheriff's Office dismantled in May. Pleased with the immediate result, she was less fond of
the long-term issue of vacant homes turned eye sore. Since she complained to the county,
the Winter Green Street houses have been cleaned up, though one is expected to become a
nuisance again.

* First in a series.
By KEVIN J. SHUTT
kevin.shittt@ iiin 'sstin.co. '
SEBRING The county
commissioners have become
unsuspecting soldiers in the
drug war.
Highlands County Sheriff
Susan Benton's drug task
force was busy last year
with 46 marijuana grow
house busts.
Since Nov. 8, 2006, her
officers with the help of
'citizen soldiers' in the form
of concerned neighbors -
have taken down 60 such
operations from Avon Park
to Venus.
The new year has turned
up more of the same. The
first grow house was raided
Jan. 4 at 3675 State Road 66

in Sebring.
According to Criminal
Intelligence Analyst Faith
Hammortree, Special
Investigations Unit.
deputies have collected
more than $14 million in
marijuana, 3,488 plants.
They seized 174 pounds
of harvested cannabis. a
variety of firearms, intelli-
gence-laden documents. and
more than $100,000 in cash.
Sheriff's Counsel Mike
Durham said $60-70.000 in
vehicles have been confis-
cated and another S30-
35,000 worth are pending.
Benton invested 4.392
man-hours in the 14-month
dragnet that produced 79
arrests.
See ROLE, page 7A

News-Sun photo by SUSAN FOSTER
Bill Youngman of Sebring has the honor of driving the first tractor in line for the
Central Florida Bar-B-Que Fest Parade. The tractor was decked out in American and
POW/MIA flags as members of the American Party of Florida rode with Youngman
down the two-mile course. A variety of antique tractors, cars and trucks participated
in the annual parade Friday in downtown Sebring.

Woman arrested for credit card theft

By TREY CHRISTY
trey.christy@newssun.com
SEBRING A woman'
was arrested Thursday for
allegedly stealing a credit
card and charging nearly $500
back in September.
The stolen card was used
four times in September,
twice at the Shell station, 629
Ridgewood Drive.
Mary Pascal, 57, Sebring,
was identified by the victim
as a suspect.
PascVideo sur-
veillance at
the Shel sta-
stion showed
someone
matchinmachine.

Sebring Police Officer
Curtis Hart spoke with
Pascal workers
Pascal description
using the
stolen card at the ATM
machine.
Sebring Police Officer
Curtis Hart spoke with
Pascal's former co-workers
Thursday, who alleged she
had been involved in using
stolen credit cards and had
been fired.
The co-workers told Hart
that Pascal came by the busi-
ness earlier and said she was
leaving town, Hart wrote in
his report.
Hart was told where Pascal

was living, and arrived at her
home to find her loading a
vehicle.
He told Pascal why he was
there and she allegedly admit-
ted to using the stolen card.
She was arrested and

arm Lmouery
LOTFO
Jan. 9

booked into the Highlands
County Jail on charges of
theft less than $5,000 and ille-
gally using a credit card less
than six times. She remained
in jail Friday in lieu of $1,500
bond.

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY
christopher.tuffley@tnewssun.comt
AVON PARK Shriners
in Highlands County are
looking forward to the third
annual NASGRASS Riding
Lawnmower Races, starting 1
p.m. Sunday at the Shriner
Club, 2636 State Road 17.
Admission is $5 for adults
and teens, no charge for chil-
dren 12 and under.
What the admission gets
you, Sid Whiteside said, is an
afternoon of racing.
Whiteside has been presi-
dent of NASGRASS since
2004, and helped organize the
Highlands races from the
beginning.
NASGRASS which
means North American
Society of Grass Racers and
Sod Slingers is a 501 (c) 3
organizing entity that puts on
riding lawnmower races for
charity events. It has been in
existence since 1985, and has
helped the Shriners in
Highlands County with their
races for the last two years.
This year 25-30 drivers

will try to satisfy their need
for speed while riding
mechanical steeds built by
John Deere, Briggs &
Stratton, Snapper, STIHL and
Dixie Chopper.
Some races involve stock
engines; some races encour-
age souped-up engineering.
Typical speeds on stock
engines can run 23 miles per
hour, but mowers have been
known to run as fast as 72
mph many average 60
mph.
Drivers may enter a race on
the day of the event,
Whiteside said. Safety gear,
like a helmet, is required.
The races raise funds for
the Shriners Club, which is a
private, public service organi-
zation, mostly focused on
providing quality health care
for children.
The Shriners support 20
hospitals in the United States
that never charge a family for
a child's treatment.
"Sunday promises to be a
lot of fun," said Whiteside.
"There are races for kids -

7-11 in one class, 12-16, in
another, and a ladies class and
a senior class, meaning any-
one over 50.
"There will be 10-lap races,
15-lap races, and a final 30-
lap race to determine an over-
all winner. You get a lot of
racing for $5," he said grin-
ning.
Each event has three races,
each class has double elimi-
nation.
A trophy and bragging
rights will go to a champ in
each class, the rookie of the
year, and the overall winner.
The Shriners will have hot
dogs, hamburgers, soda and
so forth for sale.
Call 382-2208. The Web
site at www.nasgrass.com has
more information about its
program, and a link to with
directions to the Shrine Club.

CIRCULATION
SUNDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY EDITIONS: If you do not
receive your home delivered newspaper by 6 a.m., please phone the circula-
tion department before 10 a.m. on Wednesday and Friday publication days
and before 11 a.m. on Sunday publication days and a replacement copy will
be delivered to you. Subscribers who notify us after the times mentioned, will
receive credit to their account. Please call 385-6155, 452-1009, or 465-0426.
SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12mo. 7% Fla. tax Total

HOME DELIVERY
IN FLORIDA MAIL
OUT OF FLORIDA MAIL
FOREIGN MAIL

Deadlines for subscription changes a
Thursday for the Friday edition and
ofler the times stated will be process

$47.50 $3.33 $50.83
78.00 5.46 83.46
78.00 78.00
105.00 105.00

are noon on Tuesday for Ihe Wednesday edition, noon on
noon on Friday for the Sunday edition. Changes received
ed on the following publication date.

FEAST
Continued from 1A
ative, evocative and (alleged-
ly) fabricated stories. But,
they're part of the fun.
Ricky Ginsburg, Boca
Raton, is a former member of
the Boca Boys team. Now he
judges, which requires less
work and more eating.
He said the chicken was
good Saturday. He relayed an
observation with which he
thought fellow judges would
agree.
"My biggest complaint
with.chicken is whenever it
becomes 'ooey-gooey,"'
Ginsburg said.
That's just too much sauce.
The goal should be to marry
the sauce and chicken, not
smother one with the other.
"Real good barbecue don't
need no sauce," Ginsburg
said. "And yoq can quote me
on that."

Ed Thomas, Orlando, who's
been with the 12 Hours of
BBQ since it began, samples
a piece of chicken Saturday
as judging got underway. 'I
always love coming down
here ... because we like
coming to the flea market
and the area,' he said.
Unless they're captured by
the flavor of a particular
piece of meat, most judges
limit their bites to two per
entry. But, the food isn't
wasted. It's offered to volun-
teers or the judges take it
home in coolers they bring
with them.

June Byron
June M. Byron, 86, of Lake
Placid died Jan. 7, 2008, in
-Lake Placid. Born- in Niagara
Falls, N.Y., she was a Winter
resident from Grand Island,
N.Y. She was a member of the
Ladies Home Bureau, past
president, of the Ladies Fire
Department Auxiliary and

volunteer at St. Stevens
Catholic Church in Grand
Island, N.Y. and St. James
Catholic Church in Lake
Placid.
Survivors include her hus-
band of 60 years, Richard; a
son, five grandchildren and
fourgreat-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be at
a later date.
Arrangements: are being
handled by the Scott Funeral
Home, Lake Placid.

Alfred Curry
Alfred Gordon
Curry, 86, of
Sebring died Jan.
10, 2008, in
Auburndale. Born in
Lakeland, 'he mbved to
Sebring in 1990 from Key
West. He had worked as a
steam plant operator for the
United States Civil Service,
until retirement in 1984. He
served in the. United States
Coast Guard during World
War II.
Survivors include his sons,
Charles Ham and Herschel
Ham; daughter, Ellen Ham;

sisters, Nellie M. Hall and
Delores Newby; and two
grandchildren.
Interment is tn Florida
National Cemetery in
Bushnell.
Arrangements were han-
dled by the Dowden Funeral
Home, Sebring.

Robert McCleary
A memorial service for
Robert McCleary will be at 11
a.m. Thursday at. First
Christian Church,' 510
Poinsettia Ave., Sebring, with
Pastor Ron Norton officiat-
ing. Burial will be at Florida
National Cemetery, Bushnell.
Memorials are requested to
the church.

Morris Funeral Chapel,
Sebring, is' in charge of
arrangements.

Wilma Safriet
Wilma Safriet, 88, of
Sebring died Dec. 19, 2007.
A memorial
service will
be at 10:30
a.m. Saturday
at First United
Meeth o d i s t
Church,
Se br i, ng
Safriet Memorials are
requested to
the. charity of one's choosing.
Morris Funeral Chapel,
Sebring, is in charge of
arrangements.

Want to Learn More

Call to attend our next meeting at
Homer's in Sebring

January 16th at 2pm

(first time attendees only,
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED)

Motorcycle

accident

sends two

to hospital

By TREY CHRISTY
trey.chrity@newssun.com
LAKE PLACID Two
men.were in critical condition
at Tampa General Hospital
after an accident outside Lake
Placid.
The fog on U.S. 27 was
dense for Thursday's 6:30
a.m. crash when one man
pulled in front of a motorcy-
cle.
Joseph Ballard, 78,
Fredericksburg, Va., was
leaving the Buttonwood Bay
entrance when his
Oldsmobile Cutlass crossed
paths with a motorcycle
headed south on U.S. 27.
The Suzuki motorcycle
driven by John McDaniel, 28,
Avon Park, struck the Cutlass
and McDaniel was ejected
from the motorcycle.
Debris struck a Nissan
truck driven by Clifton
Fennell, 52, Sebring. The
truck received minimal dam-
age.
Ballard and McDaniel sus-
tained serious injuries from
the crash and were transport-
ed to' Tampa General
Hospital. Ballard was wear-
ing his seat belt. McDaniel
was' wearing a helmet.
Fennell was unharmed.
No charges have been filed
pending further investigation.

PUBLIC NOTICE

In accordance with Section 121.055 F.S.
the Highlands Count Sheriffs Office intends
to designate the following position under the
Senior Management Service Class: 0210
Business Administrator.

LOIS KOFFEL
Lois Mae Koffel, 101, of
Lake Placid, .died Jan.10,
2008. She was born March
6, 1906 to Louis and Maude
Ganson in Canton, Kansas.
She had been a resident of
Sebring since 1996 coming
from Fort Myers. She was a
homemaker, was active with
the American Red Cross
during WWII, was an avid
Bridge player, loved to knit,
was on the board of the
State of Indiana Library and
did a lot of extensive travel-
ing. She was of the Lutheran
faith.
She is survived by
Daughter, Delores "Dee"
Roepstorff (Al), Lake Placid;
sister, Pat Cain,. Valley
Center, KS; brother, Leslie
Ganson, Vergennes, VT;
grandchildren, Marty
Roepstorff (Alice); Alandee
Delp (David); Geoffrey
Roepstorff (Robbie);
Santford Roepstorff
(Renee); great-grandchil-
dren, Damon Delp; Dorian
Delp (Carol); Matthew
Roepstorff; Kiera Boyd
(John); great-great-grand-
children, Dominic Delp and
Bryce Boyd.
Memorial contributions
can be made in her memory
to a charity of your choice.
Cremation arrangements
entrusted to:
Stephenson-Nelson Funeral
Home
Sebring

When You Wan
It SOD'

The News-Sun www.newssun.com ..

4A* Sunday, January 13, 2008

HIG H LAN DS COUNTY SUI

Dear Registered Voter,

This is a sample of the Optical Scan Paper Ballot that will
be used for the January 29, 2008 Presidential Preference
Primary Election. When you vote an Optical Scan Paper
Ballot, you are actually filling in (darkening) an oval-on a
paper ballot. The Golden Rule when voting an Optical
Scan Paper Ballot is:

"COMPLETELY FILL IN THE OVAL" 9
Please remember this Golden Rule and follow it exactly.
You will be furnished a marking device at the precinct or
early voting site.
We iill also have a Touch Screen Voting System at each
precinct and early voting site which will be available for
only the disabled voter(s).' Poll workers will be available to
instruct you on the use of either system.
Mark this ballot and take it with you to use as a guide
when you go to vote. This will save you a lot of time in
the polling room.
Other points of interest that voters
need to be aware of:

1) EARLY VOTING: Early Voting will be conducted
between the hours of 8:00 am. and 4:00 p.m. every day except
Sunday, beginning on January 14,2008 and ending on January
26, 2008 at the following locations:

2) VOTING ON ELECTION DAY: If you are voting
at the polling place on Election Day, you must vote in the
precinct'in which you live. Polling places will be open from
7:00 am. to 7:00 p.m. This is a.countywide election, therefore
all polling places will be open and all qualified registered
Highlands County voters will be allowed to vote.
3) POLLING LOCATIONS: Be sure to check your
voter cardto see which precinct you live in. Then compare
the number of the precinct on the card to the Precinct List
in this ad to be sure that you report to the correct voting
location to vote. If you do not have your card or if you have
any questions, please call the Elections Office for assistance.:
4) VOTER REGISTRATION AND ADDRESS
CHANGES:; :
To vote inthis Presidential Preference Primary Election,
you must have been a qualified registered voter in Florida by
December 31,2007. If you were already registered in Florida
prior to December 31, 2007 and you moved to Highlands
County from another Florida County or you moved within
Highlands County from one address to another, you wil be
allowed to change your address and vote. If you moved to
Highlands County from another State and did not register
in Highlands County by December 31, 2007, you will not be
allowed to vote in this election.
4) ID REQUIRED: YOU MUST PRODUCE
PICTURE AND SIGNATURE IDENTIFICATION
beforeyou will be allowed to vote. If you cannot produce
picture and signature identification; you will be required by
law, to vote a provisional ballot. A Florida Driver's License is
the most commonly used form of ID, however the following
forms of Picture ID have been approved by the State:
Florida Driver's License
Florida Identification Card
United States Passport
Debit or Credit Card
Military ID
Student ID
Retirement Center ID
Neighborhood Association ID
Public Assistance ID
5) REQUEST FROM THE SUPERVISOR: If you
are a person that is able to go to the polls at any time of day,
it is very helpful if you try to schedule your voting during the
slack periods of the day. These times are usually between
10:00 and 11:30 am. and 2:00 to 4:30 p.m.
6) WIAT YOU WILL BE ALLOWED TO VOTE ON:
This is a closed primary election, therefore, registered
Republicans will be allowed to vote for only the Republican
candidates and the constitutional amendment. Registered
Democrats will be allowed to vote for only the Democratic
candidates and the constitutional amendment. Voters registered
as No Party Affiliation or with a minor party will only be allowed
to vote on the constitutional amendment.
If you have any questions, please call the Elections Office at
863-402-6655 or email us at soe@hcbcc.org.

Property Tax Exemptions; Limitations On Property Tax
Assessments
This revision proposes changes to the State Constitution relating to
property taxation. With respect to homestead property, this revision: (1)
increases the homestead exemption except for school district taxes and
(2) allows homestead property owners to transfer up to $500,000 of their
Save-Our-Homes benefits to their next homestead. With respect to
nonhomestead property, this revision (3) provides a $25,000 exemption
for tangible personal property and (4) limits assessment increases for
specified nonhomestead real property except for school district taxes.
In more detail, this revision:
(1) Increases the homestead exemption by exempting the
assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption does not
apply to school district taxes.
(2) Provides for the transfer of accumulated
Save-Our-Homes benefits. Homestead property owners will be able to
transfer their Save-Our-Homes benefit to a new homestead, within 1 year
and not more than 2 years after relinquishing their previous'homestead;
except, if this revision is approved by the electors in January of 2008
and if the new homestead is established on January 1, 2008, the
previous homestead must have been relinquished in 2007. If the new
homestead has a higher just value than the previous one, the
accumulated benefit can be transferred; if the new homestead has a
lower just value, the amount of benefit transferred will be reduced. The
transferred benefit may not exceed $500,000. This provision applies to
all taxes.
(3) Authorizes an exemption from property taxes of $25,000::-i
of assessed value of tangible personalpriperty; his piisi'ap plis ."
to all taxes. .
(4) Limits the assessment increases for specified
nonhomestead real property to 10 percent each year. Property will be
assessed at just value following an improvement, as defined by general
law, and may be assessed at just value following a change of ownership
or control if provided by general law. This limitation does not apply to
school district taxes. This limitation is repealed effective January 1;
2019, unless renewed by a vote of the electors in the general election
held in 2018.
Further, this revision:
a., Repeals obsolete language on the homestead exemption
when it was less than $25,000 and did not apply uniformly to property
taxes levied by all local governments.
b. Provides for homestead exemptions to be repealed if a
future constitutional amendment provides for assessment of
homesteads "at less than iust value" rather than as currently provided
"at a specified percentage of just value. '
c .Schedules the changes to take effect upon approval by the
electors and operate retroactively to January 1,2008, if approved in a
special election held on January 29, 2008, or to take effect January 1,
2009, if approved in the general election held in November of 2008. The
limitation on annual assessment increases for specified real property
shall first apply to the 2009 tax roll if this revision is approved in a.special
election held on January 29, 2008, or shall first apply to the 2010 tax roll
if this revision is approved in the-general election.held in November of
2008.

O YES

G NO

S :_END OFBALLOT

HIGHL,

INSTRUCTIONS

1. TO VOTE, COMPLET

2. Use the marking devil

3. If you make a mistake
vote may not count,

Property Tax Exemptior
This revision proposesBo
homestead propertythtis:
(2) allows homesteadpr.o
next homestead. Withres
tangible personal ppert
except for school district.t
In more deataihl
(1) Increases,
$75,000. This.exemption'
(2) Providesf
owners will be able tq tra
-than 2 years aftedrtli'liw
'January of-200e8dand'f:h,
have been relinquisledIir
accumulated benefit rcanl
transferred will beredbc
taxes.
(3) Authorizes
property. This provtsiriea
(4) Limits-the3:
year. Property wilt'be'ass
assessed atjust valei'fo1
does not apply toishooJ
a vote of the lectorsin tf
Further, this:r&
a. Repeals.ob;
not apply uniformlytoipr
b. Pro .desfdot
for assessment of htioes
percentage" of just value.
c.. Schedules't
January 1, 2008,:if-pre'
if approved in the general
for specified realpropit
held on January 2912Q08
election held in NoI ?ibe

CD YES

*) NO

SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
AD#0002349514-01

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

ERVISOR OF ELECTIONS

4.m

Sunday, January 13, 2008 5A

OFFICIAL NONPARTISAN BALLOT
NMDS COUNTY, FLORIDA JANUARY 29, 2008

le8 I

Icm I

SLY.FILL IN THE OVAL NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE.

,e provided or a black or blue ballpoint pen.

,,don't hesitate to ask for a new ballot. If you erase or make other marks, your

NO. 1
CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION
ARTICLE VII, SECTIONS 3, 4, AND 6
ARTICLE XII, SECTION 27
(Legislative)
's; Limitations On Property Tax Assessments
-anges to the State Constitution relating to property taxation. With respectto
revision: (1) increases the homestead exemption except for school district taxes and
pe rtyowners to transfer up to $500,000 of their Save-Our-Homes benefits to their
.pect to nonhomestead property, this revision (3) provides a $25,000 exemptionfor
.and (4) limits assessment increases for specified nonhomestead real property
axes.
Ihis revision:
he homestead exemption by exempting the assessed value between $50,000 and
Joes not apply to school district taxes.
rthe'ransfer of accumulated Save-Our-Homes benefits. Homestead property
isfertheir.Save-Our-Homes benefit to a new homestead within 1 year and not more
hig theirprevious homestead; except, if this revision is approved by the electors in
newihonmstead is established on January 1,2008, the previous homestead must
2007.-If the new homestead has a higher just value than the previous one, the
je.transferred; if the new homestead has a lower just value, the amount of benefit
Thetransferred benefit may not exceed $500,000. This provision applies to all
an exemption from property taxes of $25,000 of assessed value of tangible personal
aplies to all taxes.
assessment increases for specified nonhomestead real property to 10 percent each
,ssed at just value followingan improvement, as defined by general law, and may be
owing: a change of ownership or control if provided by general law. This limitation
triotdctaxes. This limitation is repealed effective January 1,2019, unless renewed by
ie general election held in 2018.
asiarr
olete language on the homestead exemption when it-was less han $25,000 and did
sertytaxes levied by all local governments.
hbmestead exemptions to be repealed if a future constitutional amendment provides
ieads".at less than just value" rather than as currently provided "at a specified
e changes to take effect upon approval by the electors and operate retroactively to
edin'a special election held on January 29, 2008, or to take effect January 1,2009,
election held in November of 2008. The limitation on annual assessment increases
:shallfirst apply to the 2009 tax roll if this revision is approved in a special election
tr'sihal first apply to the 2010 tax roll if this revision is approved in the general
rof 2008.

Property Tax Exemptions; Limitations On Property Tax
Assessments
This revision proposes changes to the State Constitution relating to
property taxation. With respect to homestead property, this revision: (1)
increases the homestead exemption except for school district taxes and
(2) allows homestead property owners to transfer up to $500,000 of their
Save-Our-Homes benefits to their next homestead. With respect to
nonhomestead property, this revision (3) provides a $25,000 exemption
for tangible personal property and (4) limits assessment increases for
specified nonhomestead real property except for school district taxes.
In more detail, this revision:
(1) Increases the homestead exemption by exempting the
assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption does not
apply to school district taxes.
(2) Provides for the transfer of accumulated
'Save-Our-Homes benefits. Homestead property owners will be able to
transfer their Save-Our-Homes benefit to a new homestead within 1 year
and not more than 2 years after relinquishing their previous homestead;
except, if this revision is approved by the electors'in January of 2008
and if the'new homestead is established on January 1,2008, the
previous homestead must have been relinquished in 2007. If the new
homestead has a higher just value than the previous one, the
accumulated benefit can be transferred; if the new homestead has a
lower just value, the amount of benefit transferred will be reduced. The
transferred benefit may not exceed $500,000. This provision applies to
all taxes.
(3) Authorizes an exemption from propertytaxes of $25,000
of assessed value f tangible personal property. This provision applies
to all taxes.
(4) Limits the assessment increases for specified
nonhomestead real property tl10 percent each year. Property will be
assessed at just value following an improvement, as defined by general
law, and may be assessed atjust value following a change of ownership
or control if provided by general law. This limitation does notapply to
school district taxes. This limitation is repealed effective January ,
2019, unless renewed by a vote of the electors in thegeneral election
held in 2018.
Further, this revision:
a. Repeals obsolete language on the homestead exemption
when it was less than $25,000 and did not apply .uniformly.to property
taxes levied by all-local governments.
b. Provides for homestead exemptions to be repealed if a
future constitutional amendment provides for assessment of:
homesteads "at less than just value" rather than as currently provided
"at a specified percentage' of just value.
c. Schedules the changes to take effect upon approval by the
electors and operate retroactively to January 1, 2008, if approved in a
special election held on January 29, 2008, or to take effect January 1,
2009, if approved in the genera election held in November of 2008. The
limitation on annual assessment increases for specified real property
shall first apply to the 2009 tax roll if this revision is approved in a special
election held on January 29, 2008, or shall first aply to the 2010 tax roll
if this revision is approved in the general election held in November of
2008.

C YES
o NO

SEND OF BALLOT

-: T

,, I .

,, ,

'lc= I

GA* Sunday, January 13, 2008

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

Breakfasts and lunches
being served in the Highlands
County School District for the
upcoming week of Jan. 14-18
include:

Situated on over an acre, this 4/3/2 custom
heated pool home w/office & media rooin offers
many features. Perfect for a large family!

Golf Hammock
$449,900
Directions: US 27 to f(i) on Ilolanoock Rd., to (R) into
Golf lHammock, to (R) on PI'r Rd., to lonme on (I.).

1-2.6 Villas
Remaining

.1..94,9
$194,900 ,,

. . .

Great home w/many-special features
to include; family room w/built-in
entertainment center, pergo flooring &
additional detached 16x24 garage!
Golf Hammock
$259,900
Directions: US 27 to Hlamnmock Rd., to (R) into Golf
Hammock, circle around clubhouse, to (1t) on
Mullig:n, to (I) on Dl)uffer Rld., to home on (R).

Special to the News-Sun
LAKE PLACID
Coldwell Banker Highlands
Properties moved its Lake
Placid real estate operation to
a new office at 708 U.S. 27
South. From its new location,
Coldwell Banker Highlands
Properties sales associates
will continue to serve the
Highlands County markets.
The public is cordially
invited to tour the new facili-
ty and share light refresh-
ments following a ribbon cut-

ROLE
Continued from 1A

"The sheriff's doing a good
job in locating them," County
Commissioner Don Bates said
Thursday, discussing an issue
he raised at the end of a board
meeting in November. "It's
not going away."
If law enforcement agen-
cies are fighting the front-line
battles, county employees are
their service and support in
garrison.
With each warrant served
on a suspected grow house,
the zoning and code enforce-
ment departments are notified
in advance.
Even during "knock and
talks," when possible, the
county is given advance
notice so they can begin
tracking potential nuisance
abatement cases, Durham
said.
But, as with criminal prose-
cution of suspected drug
traders, the county must allow
due process to play out with
civil code violations.
"Fairly nice homes that
were grow houses had gone
completely down," Bates
said, referring to adjacent
homes at 1053 and 1055
Winter Green St. in the
Leisure Lakes subdivision.
"It's becoming a blight in
some parts of the county."
V Durham said the distribu-
| tion of grow houses has been
evenly spread across the
county, which reflects what's
happening across the state.
Code enforcement has
levied more than $65,000 in
liens for 18 grow house cases
that have gone before the spe-
cial magistrate.
Most of that, explained
Code Enforcement Supervisor
April Hartseil, is from fines
that accumulate daily. The
balance represents the coun-
ty's prosecution and cleanup
expenses.
Though some liens have
been paid off, Hartseil wasn't
able Friday to specify how
much.
Nancy Reaney, who lives in
Leisure Lakes and passes the
former grow houses during
morning walks, would like
the county, or the state, to
enact laws expediting the
abatement of nuisances
caused by houses abandoned
after a bust.
"It's a long process you
have to go through," Reaney
said, explaining she first com-
plained in June, a month after
Benton's task force raided the
Winter Green homes.

SPEC
* Failed B
UJpper. M

ting ceremony at 10 a.m.
Wednesday.
"This move was brought
about in an effort to better
geographically place our
business to accommodate the
needs of our customers.
Additionally, our recent
growth required a facility that
was conducive to a more effi-
cient daily operation," said
Don Randolph, broker/owner
of Coldwell Banker
Highlands Properties.
Randolph has been associ-

County cut the grass five
months later, after warning
notices went unanswered.
Then, the cases went before
the magistrate.
Since November, one of the
owners has been maintaining
his yard while the occupants
of the other home remain
behind bars.
The county's Animal
Control Office doesn't have
the luxury of due process.
Animals found at marijuana
grow operations effectively
become wards of the county,
which immediately is respon-
sible for the housing, feeding
and caring of the beasts, large
or small.
In light of the budget cuts
that befell other county
departments and constitution-
al offices, Animal Control
Director Darryl Scott consid-
ered himself "lucky" in inher-
iting the same funding this

ated with Coldwell Banker for
more than 20 years and his
offices are continually recog-
nized by the Coldwell Banker
brand as Chairman's Circle
Award Recipients.
He is also a recipient of the
Coldwell Banker Chandler
Barton award.
Call 465-1234. Coldwell
Banker Highlands Properties,
LLC, has been an affiliate of
the Coldwell Banker(r)
System for more than 20
years.

year that his department had
last fiscal year.
"This was a new concept,"
Scott said, explaining his
predecessor didn't budget for
the unexpected influxes that
grow houses would bring.
When Scott took the reigns
last year, his top priority was
to secure funding for proper
feline housing.
The additional burden of
the small, large and exotic
creatures removed from the
ongoing drug busts amplified
what Scott's cat house project
revealed he needed to
improve his facility's infra-
structure from the ground up.
After receiving complaints
from his constituents and
making himself familiar with
the process, Bates mentioned
the problem to his fellow
commissioners in November.
"I didn't get much
response," Bates said.

Ike Lee, M.D.
Internal Medicine
Former Director of Geriatrics at Mt. Sinai Hopsital
Graduate of Northwestern Medical School of
Geriatric Fellowship
Graduate of University of Illinois Medical School

Most Procedures Done
Under Sedation &
Fluroscopy
Massage Therapist Available
No Referral Needed
Most Insurances Accepted
Therapy Available

Joint Commission
0nncolro rr~l~cr i~lrrn

Sunday, January 13, 2008 7A

Invasive Plant Management begins

Monday on Lake Istokpoga

Special to the News-Sun
LORIDA The Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission's Aquatic Habitat
Management Team has selected specific
areas along Lake Istokpoga's shoreline and
around the islands for treatment of invasive
vegetation with herbicides as part of the
Lake Istokpoga Fish Management Area
(FMA) aquatic habitat enhancement pro-
gram.
Areas to be treated include the west
shoreline from Windy Point to Henderson's
Cove, the north shoreline from Lykes Cove
to Istokpoga Park, the northeast shoreline
between Mallard RV Park and Istokpoga
Canal, and the interior marsh areas of Big
Island, Long Island, and Bumblebee Island.
Depending on weather conditions, an air-
boat treatment is scheduled to begin
Monday through Jan. 31 and helicopter
treatments will run from Jan. 28-31.
Maps showing treatment areas will be
posted at Istokpoga's public boat ramps and
local fish camps. Please try to avoid these
areas during the spray operations. For addi-
tional information, contact Steve Gornak at

(863) 462-5190.
Management of invasive aquatic plants is
part of the commission's Aquatic Habitat
Enhancement Program for Istokpoga. Lack
of adequate fluctuation, reversal of the natu-
ral fluctuation cycle, and low water levels
during the prime growing season for aquatic
plants have encouraged expansion of cattail,
pickerelweed, and other invasive plants in
Lake Istokpoga since 1962.
In Spring 2001, the FFWCC conducted an
aquatic habitat enhancement drawdown on
Istokpoga, in which 1,308 acres over 21
miles of shoreline were scraped of tussock
and organic material. These enhanced areas
provide sandy substrate on which native
desirable plants are encouraged to grow.
However, pickerelweed, as the primary
aquatic plant invader in these sites, becomes
dominant and creates monoculture stands,
which begin to exclude other desirable
plants.
Also, since 1998, the FFWCC has main-
tained a seasonal aquatic harvester program
around Big Island, Bumblebee Island, and
Henderson's Cove to control tussock.

Courtesy photos John Moran's 'Dance of the Cranes.'
Courtesy photos
John Moran (above) will exhibit his work at the Museum of
Florida Art and Culture from Jan. 23-Feb. 29. He will make
a presentation at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, in the South
Florida Community College University Center Auditorium. OC M Li
Below is a piece of his work, 'Beneath a Rainbow Spring.' MOFAC presents John Moran: Journal of Light

Special to the News-Sun shot for an Audubon nature tos, and reflect on his quest to click on "Performing Arts."
AVON PARK The South calendar, and was the top- capture one of the most pho- MOFAC is adjacent to the
Florida Community College winning photograph in the tographic states in the coun- SFCC Auditorium, Highlands
Museum of Florida Art and United Nations Earth Summit try. The program will be held p is open
Culture is presenting John photography contest. His pho- in the SFCC University to t pulic Otobr thro
Moran: Journal of Light. The tographs have also appeared Center Auditorium and is co-
exhibit is based on Moran's in National Geographic, sponsored by the Florida May, from 12:30-4:30 p.m.
popular book, "Journal of Time, Newsweek, Humanities Council. A meet Wednesday, Thursday, and
," Smithsonian, The New York and greet will follow the pro- Friday, and by appointment
Light," and is a mid-career
Lgt, e fn tis ami he Times Magazine, and the gram at 6:45 p.m. in the for group tours. SFCC Artist
ti f g h National Audubon Society SFCC University Center, as and Matinee series patrons
unusual an creaive photo- Field Guide to Florida. well as a book signing at 7 may visit the museum one
graphs of the amazing natural
wonders of Florida. The Moran will present his p.m. in MOFAC. hour prior to every perform-
exhibit during the program, After the Moran program, ance.
exhibit will be on view Jan.
23- Feb. 29. It is sponsored by Journal of Light: A MOFAC patrons may also For information about the
Photographer's Search for the enjoy an SFCC Artist Series
Bank of America. museum and its exhibits and
Bank of America. Soul of Florida at 6 p.m. performance by the Sofia
Moran is best known for his Wednesday, Jan. 30, in the Festival Orchestra at 7:30 workshops or to request a
photograph "The Night Has a SFCC University Center p.m. For tickets, contact the museum tour, contact Mollie
Thousand Eyes," which was Auditorium. He will narrate a SFCC Box Office at 784-7178 Doctrow, curator, MOFAC, at
given a two-page spread, in slide show of his collection of- or visit the SFCC Web site at ext. 7240 at 453-6661, 465-
Life magazine, was the cover landscape and wildlife pho- www.southflorida.edu and 5300, 773-2252, or 494-7500.

I -^^^^S^^^^^l^^^K^^^^^S^

il

70 reamng of

ADVANCED 72V~V /on&?
HOME BUILDERS

At Advanced Home Builders, we understand that dream because we
make it come true, each and every day. As one of south central
Florida's largest homebuilders, we fulfill the dreams of first-time
homebuyers, multi-home investors, and senior retirees.

When it's tme to let go of all
those things youjust don't
need, reach thousands of
your Highlands County
neighbors with a dassified
ad in the NEWS-SUN ... in print
and on the World Wide Web.
We've been helping people
turn their'trash' into cash
since 1927.

By PATRICIA C. POND
News Sun correspondent
NAPLES -During the
recent holiday vacation, one
of the happiest places on
earth appeared to be
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary,
a 13,000-acre preserve in
Collier County on the north-
ern edge of Florida's Big
Cypress Swamp.
Corkscrew is a National
Audubon Society sanctuary
and has been designated as a
"gateway site" for the Great
Florida Birding Trail.
Thousands of visitors trav-
eled from as far as Europe
and as near as Naples to dis-
cover and watch the dozens
of rare and endangered birds
and animals that inhabit this
magical place. They walked
the 2.25 mile raised board-
walk that winds through the
Sanctuary's pine uplands,
across a small prairie into the
forest and finally deep into
the unspoiled marshes of the
swamp.
Interpretive displays along
the boardwalk help visitors
identify many of the plants
and animals found in the
Sanctuary. Volunteer natural-
ists are usually on the board-
walk to answer questions and
point out the birds and ani-
mals that are "hiding in plain
sight."
There is an optional one-
mile trail that not only short-
ens the walk but also takes
visitors more directly to the
Lettuce Lakes. These natural
pools harbor a large concen-
tration of birds and animals
within easy viewing of the
boardwalk.
This shorter trail attracted
most of the families with
very young children.
"There is nowhere else
people can go to have the
experience you have on our
boardwalk," said Ed Carlson,
the Sanctuary's director.
"This is the least disturbed
wetland that you can find in

Florida. We have escaped all
of the levees and changes
that created problems in other
areas."
Carlson said that
Corkscrew has the largest
stand of ancient bald cypress
forest in the world. The huge
bald cypress trees at
Corkscrew are approximately
500 to 700 years old and
reach heights of 130 feet.
Most of the cypress that once
dominated the swamps of the
southeastern United States
have been leveled for their
timber.
But it is the creatures great
and small that captivate visi-
tors. Natural pools are filled
with a colorful variety of
herons and ibis searching for
fish; small clearings reveal
cardinals, warblers and doves
feeding side by side; over-
hanging branches are perches
for rare night herons and
anhingas drying their wings.
Little squeals of delight
escaped from kids and adults
alike as they spotted all the
different birds and animals
on a cool winter morning
recently. And everyone -
including the children was
trying to be quiet so that they
didn't scare anything away.
Volunteer naturalists pointed
out the more secretive resi-
dents, and photographers
aimed their cameras to whis-
pers of "look, look over
there!"
One lucky group heard the
grunts, snorts and noisy
crunching of a river otter
who was devouring a cray-
fish it had just captured.
Otters can be seen playing
and hunting near the board-
walk, while only a few feet
away, alligators bask on the
bank in the sun.
Farther along, someone
spoted turtles:."I see three -
no four turtles. Look down
there." Little foreheads
pressed against the slats in
the boardwalk rails.

"Where are the snakes?"
one little boy asked. "I want
to see the snakes."
Both the long and short
trails take visitors through
four distinct environments: a
pine upland, a wet prairie, a
cypress forest, and a marsh.
Guide Amy Fleischer of
the Sanctuary staff explained
that a drop of only four feet
in elevation separates the dry
pine uplands from the water-
covered marsh.
"Water is the heart of the
swamp," Fleischer said.
"Just a few inches of water in
the lower levels'creates an
entirely different ecosystem
of plants and trees and the
creatures that live there."
She went on to explain that
the dry pine uplands com-
monly seen throughout south
Florida are extremely impor-
tant to protect because dry
habitat is always in danger
from development.
"This is prime habitat for
panthers," she added.
Next, across a narrow slice
of wet prairie which is real-
ly a type of marsh dominated
by grasses the visitbr is

confronted by a wall of pond
cypress trees which create a
dramatic division between
prairie and swamp.
"I'll bet you didn't even
notice how the boardwalk has
been gradually dropping,"
Fleischer said. "But this
small drop in elevation com-
pletely changes the land-
scape. We are entering the
wetlands."
The pond cypress are
smaller than the bald cypress
because they are stunted by
nutrient poor soils on the
edge of the prairie. But they
are a healthy adaptation, now
more than 100 years old.
Raccoons love the woods
and prairie areas, and a moth-
er and two young skittered
along close to the boardwalk
with only an occasional
glance upward.
Soon the majestic bald
cypress trees began to soar
up alongside the boardwalk,
as they have for a thousand
years in the deep swamps of
southwest Florida. These
giants share the forest with
red maple, pond apple and a
seemingly endless variety of
shrubs, vines, flowers and air
plants. As the visitor

descends into the marsh, the
ferns, shrubs and flowers cre-
ate an authentic tropical para-
dise.
The sanctuary is the largest
nesting and breeding area for
the endangered Wood Stork
in North America.
"The Wood Storks nest
here in spring," Fleischer
said, "but they will not be
nesting this year because of
the drought. It is not safe for
the storks to nest unless there
is enough water around the
trees for the alligators. The
alligators, which eat small
animals, actually protect the
nests from raccoons and
other predators. It's all part
of the natural ecosystem."
Ed Carlson confirms that
the area is experiencing the
most severe drought on
record, "and we have been
keeping records since the
1950's, but it is still healthy,
because it is a natural
drought."
"Other good things hap-
pen," Fleischer added. "The
cypress pods will root and
sprout in the soil, which
doesn't happen in standing
,water. The forest will gain
new trees."

The National Audubon
Society accepted responsibil-
ity for the management of the
Sanctuary in 1955 and started
construction of the first
boardwalk through the
swamp in that year. The mis-
sion of the Audubon Society
is to conserve and'restore
natural ecosystems, managing
them to maintain the native
plants and animals found
there.
Controlled burns and
remov,al of invasive exotic
plants are the only work of
man in the Sanctuary. No ani-
mals are fed, no fertilizers or
chemicals are used, and noth-
ing is planted for decoration.
Carlson observed that the
natural processes of the
swamp have been occurring
undisturbed for thousands of
years without interference
from man, and "this place
still works."

Directions
From Highlands County,
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
is a pleasant two-hour drive
mainly via State Road 29
through pastureland, groves
and small farming communi-
ties.
The best route from this
area is U.S. 27 south turning
right onto SR 29 near
Palmdale. At LaBelle, turn
left onto South Main Street,
then turn right at sign onto
SR 29. At Immokalee, go
through downtown, then turn
right at South 1st Street,
which becomes Immokalee
Road (SR 846 W). Drive 12.4
miles, then turn right onto
Sanctuary Road at the brown
sanctuary sign.
The Sanctuary is open
every day of the year except
during violent weather.
For complete information,
hours of operation, admission
fees and other details, visit
the sanctuary's website at:
www.corkscrew.audubon.org.
Telephone: (239) 348-
9151.

News-Sun photos by PATRICIA C. POND
Volunteer naturalist Phil Nye and guide Amy Fleischer of the Sanctuary staff on the board-
walk at Corkscrew Swamp. Nye drives from Naples two or three times a week to assist visi-
tors with spotting the animals and plants throughout the sanctuary.

A group of families spots an alligator sunning itself close to the boardwalk in Corkscrew
swamp. These visitors included people from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and
Holland. The gators were the children's favorite animal.

You're good at

multi-tasking...

So are we.

Let us lend a hand.

OUG For All Your Banking Needs.
LENDER
MEMBER www.highlandsindependentbank.com
FDIC

12A Sunday, January 13, 2008

Editorial & Opinion

Serving Highlands County since 1
Serving Highlands County since 1927

CLARISSA WILLIAMS
Publisher

SCOTT DRESSEL
Assistant Editor

ROMONA WASHINGTON
Executive Editor
DAN HOEHNE
Sports Editor

Almost not worth it

Friday morning equipment was finally on hand to
finish the seemingly interminable job of adding an
exit lane onto Tubbs Road for the new Marriott
Residence Inn on U.S. 27.
The main reason we, who use Tubbs Road regular-
ly, are so glad to be done with the construction equip-
me9t, the rough road way, the detours into the Sun
Trust parking lot, and the barrel like barriers protect-
ing the unfinished exit lane, is how unsafe the inter-
section has been.
First we'd like the Florida Department !of
Transportation, and the KDL Company, which is the
contractor doing the work, to know that while those
round barrel type barricades being used at the inter-
section work well for drivers headed south on the
highway, they create a real problem for drivers wait-
ing to enter U.S. 27 from Tubbs Road.
The barrels are too wide to see around properly to
begin with, and as they stretch in a line to the north,
at an angle from the side street, an optical illusion
creates a solid wall that hides the highway's lanes
from sight all together. Even when a driver can get up
close for a look, the barrels make it difficult to judge
an on-coming vehicle's speed, and often, what lane it
is in.
There has to be a better invention. One that allows
drivers from all sides to see safely.
Second there was an air of abandonment of this
project for quite a period of time. This impacted the
traffic because of mixed messages.
For example, for some time a flashing sign north of
the work zone announced lane closures that were not
in place. That kind of disconnect can lead to compla-
cence among drivers.
While,we can see the advantage in the work now
accomplished, on balance we have to say the extend-
ed time of disruption, coupled with the unsafe driving
conditions it caused make it almost not worth the
while.

Letters

A party invite turns into a hairy experience

All right, for the last time: I
did not stick my finger in a
light socket.
Also, while the recent
events with the presidential
election have caused me some
mild frustration, it has not
caused anything drastic to
happen to my appearance.
Unless you count the circles
under my eyes because I'm
staying up way too late listen-
ing to political analysts make
all kinds of pronouncements -
it's especially entertaining
when they have to explain
why the pronouncements they
made the day before are a
load of peanut butter.
No, the reason I look so dif-
ferent is a lot easier to
explain: I went to a.Christmas
party.
Well, I probably should
explain a little better than
that. Don and I had a
Christmas party to attend, and
in a fit of femininity I decided
I wanted to make an extra
effort to look nice. I'd lost a
bit of weight and it somehow

Laura's
Look
Laura Ware
got my brain to thinking I
could do something about the
other parts.
This is harder than it
sounds especially when it
comes to my hair. My hair has
always been quite straight.
Cut it to shoulder length and
you might be able to persuade
it to flip up at the end.
Otherwise, it just sits there.
So, feeling adventurous, I
went to my style salon and put
myself in the woman's hands.
"Make it look nice" was my
only instruction.
And she did. It was a hit. It
was the best looking hair I
had in a long time. Granted, it
meant two hours of my life,
45 minutes of it spent under a
hair dryer with my locks in
rollers, but for the party it was
worth it.
Then people started saying,
"you should wear it like that

all the time."
Well, as much as I liked the
hairdo, I was not about to
spend 45 minutes a week
under a hot dryer. I knew the
minute I washed my hair the
style would go down the
drain, so I went to the style
salon again and asked what
our other options were. The
other option? A perm.
I'd had perms before -
though the last time I can
remember having one I was
still taller than my kids, so I
knew it had been a while. But
they assured me I'd only have
to get it done once every three
months instead of every week.
That appealed to me.
So before I knew it I was
back in the hands of my hair
stylist. She worried that.with
my straight and fine hair it
would have a hard time with a
perm, so she went for the
extra-strength solution. And
tiny rollers. Tiny rollers are
not painless to have put in
your hair, no matter how gen-
tle the stylist tries to be.

r "Co pyrighted M aterialI

SSyndicated Con tent

Available from Commercial News Providers"

Propaganda machine
still going strong
Editor:
They say that history
repeats itself. I will probably
catch a lot of flack from this
observation, but look at the
facts.
Because of a speed boat in
the Gulf of Tonkin, we went
to war, which cost us 57 thou-
sand lives and untold billions
of dollars..
They assassinated
President Kennedy, because
he wouldn't declare war,
amiss government lies and
trumped up facts.
So what do we have today,
a speed boat incident, govern-
ment lies and false informa-
tion and let's not forget those
weapons of mass destruction.
The hundreds of billions of
dollars wasted and so far,
4,000 American lives lost.
The American propaganda
machine is alive and well and
still going strong.
Does this sofnd familiar, or
what?
Don H. Streeter

Sebring

Is Obama the right
man for president?

Editor:
If you are following the
primary elections, look at the
walls of Senator Obama's
campaign headquarters.
What's missing? It's called
The American flag.
All the other candidates
display the flag of the United
States of America. Guess this
is one of those tough answers
to tough questions.
I understand the Senator
will not recite the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Flag of the
United States of America nor
will he show any reverence to
it. When sworn is as a senator,
he took the oath with his hand
on the Koran, not the Holy
Bible.
Is this the sort of man we
want for our president? Wake
up voters. God Bless America
Francis J. Sementilli
Sebring

Smart sttegy so dent

Smart strategy is no accident

a

min

-

'The concept that government may restrict the speech of some elements of
our society in order to enhance the relative voice of others is wholly
foreign to the First Amendment.'

Buckley v. Valeo
U.S. Supreme Court per curiam opinion, 1976

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

Letters policy

Make sure to sign your letter and include your address and
phone number. Anonymous letters will be automatically reject-
ed.
Please keep your letters to a maximum of 400 words. We have
to make room for everybody. Letters of local concern take prior-
ity.
Send your letter to 2227 U.S. 27 South, Sebring, FL 33870;
drop it off at the same address; fax 385-1954; or e-mail edi-
tor@newssun.com.
To make sure the editorial pages aren't dominated by the same
writers, letters are limited to two per month and a guest column
can be submitted once every three months.
Opinions expressed in letters or columns, as well as any other
opinion piece are solely the opinion of that author and not nec-
essarily the opinion of the staff or editors of the News-Sun.
All items will run on a first-come basis as space permits,
although more timely ones could be moved up. Letters will be
edited for good taste, grammar, length and libel, although we try
to retain the overall flavor of the writer's style. Guest columns
are usually in a more prominent position and will be edited to a
higher standard.
We believe your viewpoints are just as important as any com-
munity leader or government official, so consider this a person-
al invitation to get your two cents in. The News-Sun has a long
history of encouraging public discussion through letters, guest
columns, and Reader's Response questionnaires. Providing this
forum for our readers is a pleasure, not an obligationo.

I

When the rollers came out,
my straight hair was a mass of
curls. Tiny, springy curls.
Different does not even begin
to describe my appearance.
Better depends on who you
talk to. My friends love it.
My family is still getting used
to it the amount of curl was
something of a surprise.
Me, I'm still figuring out
how to play with it. It's nice
in the sense that it doesn't
require a bunch of mainte-
nance. The compliments are
welcome.
We'll see how it goes the
next couple of months before
I have to get another perm.
The only change I might make
to it before then is continuing
my battle with gray roots.
Unless Hillary Clinton
becomes president. Then
you'll see a change when my
hair turns white.

Laura Ware is a Sebring resi-
dent. She can be contacted by
e-mail at bookwormlady@
embarqmail.com.

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

Sunday, January 13, 2008 13A

Community Br

Rubio to speak at
Leadership lunch
SEBRING State
Representative Marco Rubio,
Speaker of the Florida House
of Representatives will speak
about the Property Tax
Amendment and other rele-
vant topics for discussion at a
luncheon Wednesday present-
ed by Leadership Highlands
at Kenilworth Lodge. Doors
open at 11:30 a.m.; lunch
served by noon.
Lunch is $15 for the gener-
al public and $10 for
Leadership Highlands alumni
and current class. Pay at the
door only. Make checks
payable to Leadership
Highlands.
Reservations guaranteed if
made by Monday to Sebring
Chamber of Commerce at
385-8448, or
information @sebring.org.

Bluegrass Travelers
perform at club
SEBRING The Sebring
Recreation Club, at 333
Pomegranate St. will have
the Bluegrass Travelers per-
form at 2 p.m. today.

VFW 9853 hosts
Steak-0 by Rita
AVON PARK The
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 9853 will host Steak-O
by Rita from 3-4:30 p.m.
today. Lots of fun and nice
prizes. Shrimp and fish bas-
kets will be served starting at
5 p.m. for a $6 donation.
For details, call 452-9853.

Property Appraiser
speaks at meeting
LAKE PLACID -
Raymond McIntyre will
speak to the Highlands Park
Homeowners Association
today. The Property Tax
Amendment to be voted on
Jan. 29 will be the topic. An
explanation of the amend-
ment followed by a question
answering period so'that all

may understand the amend-'
ment before voting. The
annual meeting will begin at
1:30 p.m. during which time
officer and board members
will be elected for the next
year. Refreshments will be
served following the pro-
gram.
All residents and any inter-
ested persons are invite to
attend. The meeting begin-
ning at 1:30 p.m. followed by
the program at 2 p.m. is held
at the clubhouse in the
Beachpark east of Nichele at
the end of Deer Glen on Lake
Istokpoga in Highlands Park
Estates.
For information, call Helen
Obenchain at 465-2468.

Post 25 has Music by
Chrissy Harmon
LAKE PLACID The
American Legion Placid Post
25 will host the following
events:
Today Music by
Chrissy Harmon from 5-8
p.m.
Monday Executive
Board meeting at 6'.m.
Auxiliary meets at 7 p.m.
Legion meets at 7:30 p.m.
For details, call 465-0975.

Democrats meet
Monday this month
SEBRING The general
meeting of the Highlands
County Democrats will be at
7 p.m. Monday at Democratic
Headquarters.

Queens In Abundance
Lunch is Monday
LAKE PLACID Queens
in Abundance will be plan-
ning and finalizing the 10th
Birthday Celebration of
National Red Hat Day, to be
held in the Lake Placid Camp
and Conference Center just
south of Lake Placid, on
March 5.
Tickets for $18 can be pur-
chased from Becky Williams
by calling 465-0161.
The luncheon will be at
Dot's Restaurant in the
Sebring Shopping Square.

Humane Society has
annual meeting
SEBRING The Humane
Society of Highlands County'
is having their annual meet--
ing at 2 p.m. today on the
shelter grounds at 7321
Haywood Taylor Blvd. All
members are urged to attend.

NARFE meets Tuesday
SEBRING NARFE
Highlands County Chapter

288 will meet at 11 a.m. for
lunch Tuesday at Homer's
Smorgasbord in Sebring
Square. The business meeting
will follow.
The guest speaker will be a
representative from Tim
Mahoney's office.
All current and retired fed-
eral employees and their
spouses are invited to attend.

B&B dinner served at
Lake Placid Moose
LAKE PLACID The
Lake Placid Moose will host
the following events:
Today Pavilion open.
B&B dinner at 4 p.m. Music
by Wild Bill from 3:30-7:30
p.m.
Monday Lodge open
from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For details, call 465-4870.

Sauls to talk about
D.A.R.E. Program
SEBRING The Greater
Federation of Women's Clubs
Woman's Club of Sebring,
4260 Lakeview Drive, will
meet at noon Monday. The
Public Affairs Department
will host the event, and mem-
bers are asked to bring fin-
gerfood refreshments.
Sgf. Monica Sauls,
D.A.R.E. officer for
Highlands County, will be the
guest speaker.
Bring canned goods for the
ongoing Adopt-A-Famiky

WHAT IS EPI?
EPI is an accelerated route to a Florida Professional Teaching
Certificate for non-education majors.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR EPI?
If you have a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited
institution, you may be eligible. Current employment as a teacher is not
required.

HOW IS EPI STRUCTURED?
This fast-paced, flexible program can be completed in about nine
months. Students may join at any time. Classes begin nearly every
month. Most are taught on Saturdays at SFCC's Highlands Campus,
but some meet partially online.

WHAT DOES EPI COST?
Not as much as you might think, and financial aid is available through
various sources. See the EPI coordinator for details.

SOUTH FLORIDA
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
600 West College Drive
Avon Park, FL 33825

For more information, call
Colleen Rafatti,
SFCC EPI coordinator,
at (863) 784-7403
or visit the Web site at

Z Z, Z

VR X W K R'U L

South Florida Community College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. South Florida Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges
of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate's degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia
30033-4097 or call 404-679-4501 for questions about the accreditation of South Florida Community College.

bar birgo at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesdays with increased seat-
ing capacity for guests and
there will be a $1 lunch at
intermission.
Also there will be euchre
at 5 p.m. Thursday and again
at 1:30 p.m. Sundays.
For any information, call
the Post at 453-4553.

Scott Funeral Home

Serving Families of All Faiths in
Highlands County for 46 Years!

* New Community room for the gathering of family and friends
with.Kitchen & Dining Facilities available.
* Newly decorated informal chapel seats 130.
* New Selection Room tastefully showcases the options available.
* Offering convenient ample onsite parking.
We invite you to visit our Newly renovated Funeral Home
where all of your funeral, cremation or shipping needs can be
arranged with the convenience of one visit.

Formoe nfrmtio cllustoay

Scott Funeral Home
504 West Interlake Blvd.
tLake Placid, FL. 33852

Ask your eye doctor for Your
Eyeglass Prescription and bring it to
Elliott Optical to experience Old
World Craftsmanship with New
World Technology.

The Community Calendar pro-
vides a brief listing of local
clubs and organizations who
meet on a regular basis. It is
the responsibility of the group
to update the News-Sun on any
changes in this listing by calling
385-6155, ext. 516; send any
changes by e-mail to
editor@newssun.com; or mail
them to News-Sun Community
Calendar, 2227 U.S. 27 South,
Sebring, FL 33870.

SUNDAY
* American Legion Post 25
Lake Placid has lounge hours
from 1-9 p.m. Live music is
from 5-8 p.m. For details, call
465-7940.
* American Legion Post 74 is
open from 1-9 p.m. Happy hour
all day. Members and guests
only. 528 N. Pine St., Sebring.
Call 471-1448.
* Avon Park Veterans Honor
Guard serves breakfast 8:30-
11 a.m. the second Sunday at
the Avon Park Jet Center, Avon
Park. For details, call 382-
0315.
* Highlands County
Narcotics Anonymous meets
at 8 p.m. at the Lakeside
house, 1513 S. Highlands Ave.,
Avon Park. For details, call the
24-hour hotline 1-800-850-7347
or (941) 616-0460.
* Highlands Shrine Club, on
State Road 17, Avon Park, has
country western bluegrass
music from 2-4 p.m. until the
last of March. Refreshments
available. For more information,
call 471-2288.
* Lake Placid Elks Lodge
2661 opens the lounge from 2-
8 p.m. Card games start at
2:30 p.m. The lodge is open to
members and their guests. For
details, call 465-2661.
* Lake Placid Moose has
karaoke in the pavilion.
Horseshoes played at 9:30
a.m. Food available at 4 p.m.
Open to members and qualified
guests only.
* Overeaters Anonymous,
meets from 4-5 p.m. in second
floor conference room No. 3 at
Florida Hospital Heartland
Medical Center, 4200 Sun 'N
Lake Blvd., Sebring. For
details, call 385-4277. No dues,
-fees or weigh-ins. For tailss
on the organization, go to
www.oa.org.
* Sebring Eagles Club 4240
serves lunch at 2 p.m. at the
club, 12921 U.S. 98, Sebring.
For details, call 655-4007.
* Sebring Moose Lodge 2259
offers NASCAR racing in the
pavilion at 1:30 p.m. Bar open
and kitchen open from 2-5 p.m.
Lodge is at 11675 U.S. 98,
Sebring. For details, call 655-
3920.
* Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 3880 plays poker at 5:30
p.m. at the post, 1224 County
Road 621 East, Lake Placid.

Sebring. For more details, call
414-1363 or 465-5510.
* Insulin Pump Support
Group meets from 3-4:30 p.m.
the second Monday of every
month in conference Room 3 of
Florida Hospital. This group is
open to all insulin pump wear-
ers, their families and anyone
who is interested in knowing
more about insulin pumps. Pre-
registration is not required. For
information, call 402-0177.
* Lake Placid Elks 2661
opens its lounge from 2-9 p.m.
at the lodge. Euchre is at 1
p.m. Ladies crafts is at 2 p.m.
Burgers and wings served from
5-7 p.m. Live music is from 4-7
p.m. Darts is at 7 p.m. with sign
up at 6:30 p.m. It is open to
members and their guests. For
details, call 465-2661.
* Lake Placid Library has sto-
rytime at 10 a.m. for ages 3-5
except during holidays.
* Lake Placid Moose plays
cards at 2 p.m. Open to mem-
bers and qualified guests only.
Lodge closes at 6 p.m.
* Let It Begin With Me
Alanon Group meets from
10:30 a.m. to noon every
Monday at Heartland Christian
Church, 2705 Alt. 27 South,
Sebring. For details about
Alanon, a self-help group for
families and friends of alco-
holics, call 385-5714.
* Placid Lakes Bridge Club
meets 12-4:30 p.m. second and
fourth Monday in Placid Lakes
Town Hall, 2010 Placid Lakes
Blvd. No meetings from end of
May to October. For details,
call 465-4888.
* Rotary Club of Highlands
County meets at 6:15 p.m. For
details, call Darrell Peer at 385-
0107.
* Sebring Eagles Club 4240
joint officers meet at 7 p.m.
second Monday. Pizza and
darts is at 7:30 p.m. at the club,
12921 U.S. 98, Sebring. For
details, call 655-4007.
* Sebring Elks Lodge 1529
has the lounge open from 12-7
p.m. For more details, call 471-
3557.
* Sebring Moose Lodge 2259
plays Texas Hold 'em at 7 p.m.
the second and fourth Monday
at 11675 U.S. 98, Sebring. Beef:
franks- and Italian sausages
served from 1 p.m. to closing.

For details, call 655-3920.
* Sebring Recreation Club
has hobby club at 9:30 a.m.
and shuffleboard scrambles at
6 p.m. at 333 Pomegranate
Ave., Sebring. Call 385-2966.
* Take Off Pounds Sensibly
FL 632, Sebring meets at 3:30
p.m. at the fellowship hall at the
First Baptist Church of Lake
Josephine, Sebring. Call 655-
3673 or 465-0132.
* Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 3880 euchre, 6:30 p.m.,
1224 County Road 621 East,
Lake Placid. Call 699-5444.
* Woman's Club of Sebring
meets at noon on the second
Monday for a dessert lunch,
from October through May, at
the clubhouse, 4260 Lakeview
Drive, Sebring. Call 471-1904.

1. Meeting called to order
and invitation to fill out "citi-
zens not on the agenda" forms
2. Invocation and Pledge of
Allegiance
3. Announcements
Today, 3 p.m., Special

Lake Wales Arts

Center offers

watercolor class

LAKE WALES The
Lake Wales Arts Center's
Intermediate/Advanced
Watercolor Class with Jan
Fetters begins Tuesday. The
class will be held Tuesdays
from 9 a.m. until noon.
This series is for students
at the intermediate or
advanced level of experi-
enced painters producing
their own original artwork.
The cost is $80 for mem-
bers of the Lake Wales Arts
Center and $90 for non-mem-
bers.
To register, call the Arts
Center at 863-676-8426
weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students are required to bring
their own supplies.

B. Request approval of the
minutes for the Board of
County Commissioners and
the Special District meetings
dated Jan. 2 and Jan. 8
C. Request approval to
rename the circle around
Lakeshore Mall "Mall Ring
Road"
D. Request approval of
Satisfaction of Mortgage for
Solange Constant
E. Request approval of
Technical and Clarifying
Revision to the 2007-2010
Local Housing Assistance
Plan
F. Request approval of the
reappointments of Eric
Longshore and Andrew Kaltz
to the Construction Licensing,
Enforcement & Appeals
Board with terms to expire
March 30, 2012
G. Request approval of
Professional Continuing
Services Contracts for

Category Two Engineering
Services in accordance with
Section 287.055, Florida
Statutes with the firm of
Jones, Edmunds &
Associates, Inc., a Florida
Corporation
H. Request approval of
Professional Continuing
Services Contracts for
Categories One
Architectural, Two
Engineering, and Three
Landscape Architectural
Services in accordance with
Section 287.055, Florida
Statutes with the firm of HDR
Architecture, Inc., a State of
Nebraska Corporation, regis-
tered to do business in the
State of Florida
I. Request approval of
PBS&J, Inc. Task Order No.
22 Consulting Services for
Landfill Gas Utilization Study
plus Authorize Budget
Amendment 07-08-058

January 2008
B. Warren Hall, Hospital
District Board: Request
approval of Hospital District
Board Grants for Samaritan's
Touch and YMCA
C. John Shoop, Chairman,
Economic Development
Commission and Industrial
Development Commission:
Presentation of Annual
Program of Work
D. County Engineer:
Discussion of the vehicular
traffic access at the
Intersection of Sebring
Parkway & Eucalyptus Street
E. Board Attorney:
F. County Administrator:
Update on Goals for 2007 and
discussion on suggestions for
Goals Setting sessions for
2008
6. Citizens not on the agen-
da
7. Commissioners
8. Adjourn

the journey
Have you ever noticed
that what you focus on
you drift towards?
I was driving along one
day taking in the pretty
scenery around me. As I
looked toward the lake,
some large birds caught
my eye. And in an
instant, I felt the car
drifting that way.
Fortunately, I caught
myself and straightened
out my course. No harm
done. But had I not cor-
rected at that moment, I
could have drifted into
the other lane. Though
not a heavily traveled
road, it only takes one
other car for a collision.
The same is true in
our'lives'. It doesn't take
but a split second for us
to get distracted and drift
away from truth. And, if
we are not careful to
catch ourselves, we can
collide with another fast-
moving object not meant
to be in our path; or, we
can turn down a wrong
- road and get lost foT a-"
time. However, there's a
roadmap that can keep us
on course. That's God's
Word.
I appreciate the Bible
so much because it is the
book that keeps my life
on course. And if my
focus gets distracted and
I begin to drift, the reme-
dy for my sin is found in
1 John 1:9, NIV, which
says, "If we confess our
sins, he is faithful and
just and will forgive us
our sins and purify us
from all unrighteous-
ness."
The Bible tells us all
we need to know to
understand who we are
and where we are going.
God hasn't sugar-coated
the truth. The Bible tells
us about God's original
plan and how man's dis-
obedience led to sin and
interrupted that plan.
But it doesn't stop
there. The remedy is
given in God's Son will-
ingly leaving heaven's
glory to become a man,
live an exemplary life,
die to take away our sins,
and rise from the dead to
assure us of'eternal life.
And, that remedy is
ongoing through the
power of the Holy Spirit
who indwells us when we
believe and entrust our-
selves to the One who
made us and has a.plan
for our lives.
Interestingly, the most
important part of that
plan isn't found in what
we do as much as in who
we are and are becoming.
By being correctly
focused on God, we tap
into the power of God
within us. This manifests
itself in our actions:
purity in our walk,
thoughts and decisions.
So, let the Bible help
us map out our journey
so that we will not drift
away but stay on course.
Selah

Pf1teding Homes Frm e o9m,!"
The FIRST company in Highlands
County strictly dedicated to the
sales and installation of
Hurricane Shutters

Storm Panels
Accordion Shutters
Roll-up Shutters
Other Shutter Needs
Garage Door Braces
All of our shutters are Miami-Dade County
approved, the highest standard set, No more need
to waste money and time on plywood.
Secure your home in minutes. Many insurance
companies offer a discount.
Give us a call today for a FREE ESTIMATE!
FREE ESTIMATES!
Licensed & Insured LIC# HC-0130g9

Witherspoon
Special to the News-Sun
Sebring's Creagen Dow,
16, who has just finished
filming an International com-
mercial for car manufacturer
Renault, will be heading back
to the big screen where he
will be working with Vince
Vaughn and Reese
Witherspoon in New Line
Cinema's fea-
ture film
"1F o u r
Christmases."
The come-
dy is about a
couple
Dow (Va. ughn,
Witherspoon)
who struggle to visit all four
of their divorced parents on
Christmas Day.
Also starring is Robert
Duvall, Mary Steenburgen,
Sissy Spacek, Kristin
Chenoweth, Jon Favreau, Tim
McGraw and Dwight
Yoakam.
The feature is currently
filming in San Francisco and
will be released for Christmas
2008.
Look for Creagen playing
the role of "Sheep" and check
Creagen's Web site for
updates and pictures at
www.creagendow.com.

THAT OLDSTUFF

CLASSIFIED AD!

- 385-6155 452-1009 465-0426

Weis honored at Art League reception

Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING A steady
stream of visitors attended
Highlands Art League's artist
reception at The Village last
week. Featured Artist of the
Month, Louise Weis, was on
hand to answer questions
about her beautiful artwork.
Weis has a love of nature
that shows in her work and
makes all pause in their busy
lives to contemplate a vanish-
ing Florida. Scenes of Florida
wildlife and cattle drives
dominate her subject matter.
Living on a ranch near
Wauchula, Weis has had
ample opportunity to observe
cattle and horses in action

Do

along with birds and animals
in their natural habitat, she
also enjoys studying the
many varieties of native
plants.
She has won numerous
awards and has been a judge
for fairs and competitions
across the state. Her works
are mainly in acrylics, oils
and china painting but she
has dabbled in many other
mediums and crafts.
Weis, along with her fel-
low artist Oneida, have paint-
ed two large murals in
Hardee County, and have two
more in the works to be start-
ed soon. She can be found
teaching classes in her studio

in downtown Wauchula and
soon she will be teaching a
class or two at Highlands Art
League.
Weis donated a lovely
giclee' of quails for a raffle to
benefit Highlands Art
League. The drawing will be
held at the next Artists'
Reception at The Yellow
House on Jan. 31.
For tickets and to view this
lovely exhibit, stop by The
Yellow House Gallery/gift-
shop, 1989 Lakeview Drive
from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday-Friday and 12-4
p.m. Saturday.
Weis's work will be for
sale until Jan. 26.

You Have Dry Eyes?

Join Jane Bucci, OD, a specialist in dry eyes and geiferal eye
care, as she discusses exciting, new treatments available for
patients with dry eyes.

As more and more people
move to Florida, many of the
natural and agricultural areas
are being converted into
urban development. As a
result, the land that once
housed many species of
wildlife is now paved or
developed in some way and
the wildlife can no longer
exist in those places.
If you think about the rdeeds
of wildlife, you can well
imagine that they would
rather be in a wooded area of
fairly large size. Also, most
wild animals will move from
one area to another through-
out their lives in search of
water, food or mates. Animals
would prefer to move through
protective cover, hidden from
predators. That is were con-
necting corridors come in to
play.
Connecting corridors are
the strips of grass and/or
shrubs and trees that connect
larger habitat areas -
whether they are wetlands,
native grasses, woodlands or

other habitat. In
recent years, inter-
est in connecting
corridors has grown
because wildlife
corridors are seen
as ways to allow
wildlife and plants
to spread across
natural landscapes
that have been cut
into pieces by
roads, development,
logging or other
land disturbances.

News
From The
Watershed

Corine Burgess

This "cutting into pieces" is
referred to as fragmentation.
The dangers to wildlife are
plentiful when this occurs.
One of the negative effects of
fragmentation is that it dra-
matically decreases the diver-
sity of wildlife. It is critical to
many species to have large
areas of habitat for a variety
of reasons such as migration
patterns, species dispersion
and gene flow. The'corridors
allow animals to find new
resources and prevent isola-
tion of species.

Studies have
shown that wild areas
connected by corri-
dors have more
wildlife or greater
biodiversity than dis-
connected fragments.
There is some con-
cern about corridors
entrapping some
wildlife species, since
predators can more
easily find their prey
in a narrow strip of
habitat. For that rea-

son, the wider the corridor,
the better.
In most situations,
landowners creating corridors
may want to consider a design
that is edge feathered, which
includes zones of grasses,
shrubs and trees all in the
same corridor. The center of
the corridor would be planted
with trees, with strips of
shrubs on each side, bordered
on the outside by zones of
grasses and legumes. This
combination offers habitat for
wildlife that may use all three

types for food and cover, as
well as wildlife that needs
only one of the habitat types.
Many species have either
disappeared or been drastical-
ly reduced in number because
of habitat fragmentation. It is
important to look to the future
for the purposes of including
these wildlife corridors in
land management planning. If
we want to enable wildlife to
exist along side of develop-
ment, it is essential that future
planning include these areas
in an effort to allow wild ani-
mals and vegetation a place to
travel and exist.
It is critical that species are
allowed to move to new areas
and travel to provide for their
needs regarding diet, repro-
duction and protection. Their
survival depends on it.
For more information on
wildlife habitat, check the
Web at http://www.whmi.
nrcs.usda.gov/animals.html,
give us a call at 402-654 5or
stop by our office at 4505
George Blvd. For additional

Courtesy photo
Riparian, or streamside, plantings of trees, shrubs and
grasses make excellent connecting corridors. They can some-
times be a wildlife oasis in a sea of crop fields.

specialist with the Highlands
County Soil and Water
Conservation District. Details
on the district can be seen at
www.highlandsswcd.org or
contact Corine at 402-6545.

PLACES to

ORSHIP

Places to Worship is a paid
advertisement in the News-Sun
that is published Friday and
Sunday. To find out more infor-
mation on how to place a listing
In this directory, call the News-
Sun at 385-6155, 465-0426 or 452-
1009, ext. 518.

* Christian Science Church, 146
N. Franklin St. Sunday: 10:30 a.m.
Morning Worship and Sunday
School. Testimonial meetings at 4
p.m. each second and fourth
Wednesday. A free public Reading
Room, located at the church, is
open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesday and Thursday. The Bible
and the Christian Science textbook,
"Science and Health with Key to the
Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy are
our only preachers. All are welcome
to come and partake of the comfort,
guidance, support and healing
found in the lesson-sermons.

Church of the Nazarene of
Sebring, 420 Pine St., Sebring.
Sunday: Sunday School begins at
9:45 a.m: for all ages; Morning
Worship at 10:45 a.m.; Service at 6
p.m. Wednesday evening service at
7 p.m. with special services for chil-
dren, youth and adults. Special
services once a month for seniors
(Prime Timers), and young adults
and families. Call for details at 385-
0400. Pastor Emmett Garrison.
First Church of the Nazarene of
Avon Park, P.O. Box 1118, Avon
Park, FL 33826-1118. Sunday:
Sunday school begins at 9:45 a.m.
for all ages; morning worship at
10:45 a.m.; and evening service at 6
p.m. Wednesday evening service is
at 7 p.m. with special services for
children and adults. Special servic-
es once a month for seniors (Prime
Time) and Ladies ministries. If you
need any more information, call
Pastor John Sluyter at 453-4851.

* Temple Israel of Highlands
County, 1305 Temple Israel Drive,
Sebring, FL 33870. Shabbat servic-
es held on first and third Friday at
7:30 p.m. All are welcome! Women's
lunch brunch meets on the fourth
Tuesday of every month at different
restaurants. Torah Commentary at

3:30 p.m. every Thursday. Adult
educational movies at 2 p.m. every
second Sunday. Open to the public.
Havdalah services and dinner are
held monthly at member's homes.
Open to memebers only. Summer
hours may vary. For further informa-
tion, call the Temple office at 382-
7744.

from ordinary to extraordinary.
* Visions Christian Community
Church, 105 Jim Rodgers Ave.,
Avon Park (in the historical build-
ing). Pastor is Alvin Conner. Sunday
worship, 11:15 a.m. Wednesday -
Youth Cultural Arts Ministry, 5:30
p.m.; Youth Bible Study, 7 p.m.; and
Adult Bible Study, 7 p.m. Holy
Communion is first Sunday of each
month. Youth ministry is fourth
Sunday. Women's Ministry is fifth
Sunday. "Where there is no vision
my people perish."
* The Way Church meets at Dee's
Place, 128 N. Ridgewood Drive,
Sebring. Time schedule for Sunday
is refreshments and fellowship at 9
a.m., Sunday school at 9:30 a.m.
and worship service at 10:30 a.m.
The Way is a church family who
gathers for contemporary worship,
teaching of God's Word, prayer and
fellowship. Come early and stay
after for fellowship time. Child care
and children's church are provided.
Reinhold Buxbaum is pastor. The
Way A place for you. Office
Phone:471-6140, Church Cell
Phone:381-6190. Email: theway
church@hotmailcom. Web site:,
www The WayChurch.org

* Emmanuer United Church of
Christ, 3115 Hope Street, Sebring,
FL 33875. Sunday worship, 9:30
a.m. Children's Christian Education,
9:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome at
Emmanuel. We are located 1.7
miles west of U.S. 27 on Hammock
Road. For more information, call the
church office at 471-1999 or e-mail
to eucc@strato.net or check our
website sebringemmanuelucc.com.

Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING More than 50
artists and artisans will exhib-
it at the Highlands County
Agri-Civic Center at the Lake
Placid Art Show from 9 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26.
The admission is free to this
event, and tickets will be dis-
tributed for door prizes,
which will be given every 30
minutes throughout the day.
The door prizes are artwork
from the vendors who are
extremely generous to pro-
vide gifts for visitors to the
show.
Antonia and Max from
Lady Lake will display col-
ored photo art depicting a
variety of scenes and natural
phenomena. Claire Toledo of
Sebring will bring a variety of
hand-made carry bags to suit
Florida university fans as well
as anyone wishing a colorful,
multi-useful tone. Opal and
other stones will be the focus
of beautiful one-of-a-kind
necklaces created by Shirley
Couture of Frostproof. Lake
Wales will send Jan Fetters,
one of the yearly artists, who
this year will be exhibiting for
sale oil paintings.
Lake Placid Art League
members will offer refresh-
ments for sale throughout the
show. Doughnuts, coffee, cold
drinks and water will be for
sale early in the morning and
continue throughout the show.
Hot dogs, chili dogs, chicken
barbecued sandwiches and
desserts will be for sale later
in the morning. Tables will be
available for people to sit and
enjoy their food.
Entertainment will be pro-
vided during the day by Doyle
Rigdon, the cowboy poet and

Third Thursday at
Mofac features
Elena Maza
Special to the News-Sun
AVON PARK South
Florida Community College's
Museum of Florida Art and
Culture will hold its Third
Thursday program from 1-2
p.m. Thursday at MOFAC,
SFCC Highlands Campus.
Featured in the book,
"Embracing America: A
Cuban Exile Comes of Age,"
Elena Maza traces her jour-
ney from Cuban refugee to
accomplished artist. Maza's
work is part of the
1+l+1=Painting, Sculpture,
Charcoals exhibit currently
on display at MOFAC.
Third Thursdays at
MOFAC is a new series that
will enhance and inspire the
public's perspective on
Florida art and culture. Each
program focuses on a differ-
ent MOFAC exhibit. The pro-
gram is held every third
Thursday of the month, is
open to the public, and is
free.
For more information, con-
tact Mollie Doctrow, MOFAC
curator, at 784-7240.

Skylarks featured
at Concert Band
Special to the News-Sun
AVON PARK The
Highlands County Concert
Band will be in concert at
7:30 p.m. Monday in the
Southf Florida Community
College Auditorium. The pre-
concert entertainment will
again feature The Skylarks
dance band for the enjoyment
of early arrivals.
Some of the music on the
program was requested by
members of the audience and
band members. These
include: "Colonel Bogey
March," "Canadian Folk
Song," "Rhapsody Tribute to
Stephen Foster," "Fiddler on
the Roof," "Big Band

Signatures," "Armed Forces
Salute" and "America, The
Beautiful."
Tickets by donation are
adult $6 and students $3.
Advance tickets are avail-
able from band members or
call Vic Anderson at 655-
3731. Tickets are always
available at the door.

the American Vocal Band,
consisting of Rex Darrow,
Chris Uhle, Kevin Ferguson
and Mike Verdesca. These
gentlemen will speak about
the West and sing the songs of
America. It is hoped the addi-
tion of entertainment will
bring more guests to view the
artwork and see and hear the
great entertainers.
The Agri-Civic Center is on

U.S. 27 and George
Boulevard in south Sebring at
the flashing light. The artists
will be exhibiting their excit-
ing creations indoors and out-
doors. Parking is readily
available behind the center.
Everyone is welcome, there is
no admission and wonderful
door prizes are given every 30
minutes. Plan to attend on
Saturday, Jan. 26, all day!

Prices Effective Thursday, January 10 through Wednesday, January 16,2008.
Only in the Following Counties: Lee, Pasco, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Sarasota and Charlotte.
Prices not effective at Publix Sabor. Quantity Rights Reserved.

Courtesy photo
Photo Art by A & M is only
one of the more than 50
artisans expected to show
their work at this year's
Lake Placid Art Show at the
Highlands County Agri-Civic
Center on Saturday, Jan. 26.

Courtesy photo
Dwight and Dwayne Good, who bill themselves as The Good Twins,
will be in concert Tuesday at Heartland Christian Church.

The Good Twins in concert at

Heartland Christian Church

Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING Dwight and
Dwayne Good, a Christian
gospel duet, will perform at
the Heartland Christian
Church at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
This is their 50th year on tour
and they will retire at the end
of the season.
They have appeared with
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans,

Art Linkletter and Walter
Brennan. The concert is open
to the public and is free of
charge.
The church is' 2705
Alternate Route 27 South in
Sebring (behind Publix).
Look for the lighthouse.
Come and enjoy the evening
with the Good Twins.

'Seussical' not just for kids

Specialto the News-Sun
SEBRI'NG "Oh the
thinks you can think. When
you think about Seussical the
Musical!"
That is what thinkers who
think are thinking about at
Highlands Little Theater.
"Seussical" is a fast., paced,
fun, frolic through the world
of 37 Dr. Seuss books.
Thi. i:s not just a kid's show
(although kids will enjoy it).
There is romance, abandon-
ment, wai, destruction,
friendship, determination,
imagination, love and so
much more.
The music is wonderful and
includes funk, ballads and
Sousa. "Seussical," the sec-
ond 2007-08 season produc-
tion, opens Jan. 18 and runs
through Feb. 3. The Theatre
has added two Saturday mati-
nees on Jan. 19, and Jan. 26
(understudy Lyndsay .Reck
will perform as JoJo during
the matinee on the Jan. 26).

The doors open at 11 a.m. and
the performance is at noon.
The Theatre has also added
a "Green Eggs & Ham
Breakfast" on Feb. 2. The
doors open at 10 a.m. and the
menu consists of cheese
omelet, French toast sticks,
fruit and juice or milk. There
will be activity stations for
children to enjoy with reading
stations where they can hear
Dr. Seuss favorites. There
will also be a meet and greet
of the "Seussical" characters.
The box office is open for
ticket sales from 10 a.m. until
2 p.m. Monday through
Friday, Tuesday evenings
from 6-8 p.m. and at the box
-office window on perform-
ance night. Tickets may also
be purchased online at
www.highlandslittletheatre.or
g, or by calling 382-2525
during box office hours.
Convenience and processing
fees will be applied to online
and credit card purchases.

SFCC Matinee

Series presents

Artie Shaw

Orchestra

Special to the News-Sun
AVON PARK The Artie
Shaw Orchestra will perform
during the South Florida
Community College Matinee
Series at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in
the SFCC Auditorium,
Highlands Campus.
Artie Shaw, one of jazz's
finest clarinet players, rose to
fame in 1938 with the giant hit
"Begin the Beguine." The
orchestra will be lead by Rich
Chiaraluce, who is stepping in
for longtime leader Dick
Johnson who has recently fallen
ill.
Chiaraluce, who plays the
flute, clarinet, alto and tenor
saxophone, has toured as the
lead alto player with the
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra
under the direction of Buddy
Morrow. He has played with the

Courtesy photo
The Artie Shaw Orchestra will perform Tuesday as part of the 2008 Matinee Series at South
Florida Community College.

orchestra on the Mississippi.
Queen Riverboat and has
-appeared with Pete Candoli,
Charlie Rouse, Carl Fontana,
Buddy Childers, Doc
Severinsen, Mel Torme', Tony
Bennett, and Nancy Wilson,
among others. He has also been
featured on saxophone and clar-
inet with the Woody Herman
All Stars and appears with the
Colorado Symphony.

The Artie Shaw Orchestra
has the unique formula for
pleasing the full spectrum of
audiences, that is, the "Begin
the Beguine" fans and jazz fans
alike.
The 2008 Matinee Series is
being co-sponsored by Rick and
Jean Moyer, and Bill and Lisa
Jarrett.
Tickets for this performance
are limited and range $12 to

$18. Tickets may be purchased
online 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, at www.southflori
da.edu by clicking "Performing
Arts." Tickets may also be pur-
chased by calling the SFCC
Box Office at 784-7178 or by
visiting the SFCC Box Office at
the SFCC Auditorium, 600 W.
College Drive, Highlands
Campus, from 11:30 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Sebring rolls out red carpet for first Craft Festival

Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING The historic
city of Sebring is anticipating
the largest crowd it has ever
had thanks to the first ever
Historic Downtown Sebring
Craft Festival, produced by
Howard Alan Events Ltd. and
presented by Highlands Art
League. The big event is set
to take place from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. Saturday and Sunday,
Jan. 19-20y. Admission is
free.
"Part of our mission is to
bring art and art appreciation
to people of all ages, said
Alice Stroppel, director,
Highlands Art League. "The
fine craft festival will help us
to achieve that goal."
The city's 1920's buildings
will serve as the backdrop to
this highly anticipated craft
event in the city that's on a
circle. More than 100 of the
most talented crafters will be
on hand for coveted spots at
the Historic Downtown
Sebring Craft Festival.
Crafters from all over Florida
and the nation were hand-

Attend the Church of Your Choice!

Pilippians 4:19, "But my
God all supply all your
need according to his
richeshin glory by Christ
Jesus. This is a promise
from God. But' don't
misread that; Paul isn 't
saying that God willsuppl
Sour wants or all our desires; s sayi
God will supply all that w truly need
at isa need? A true need is a
essential. What is a want? A want is like a
life essential that's been upgraded. There's
nothing wrong with wants or desires. It's
okay to have theii. But desires and wants
are different from a need, and they don't
carry the same promise from God. The
word of God says, God shall supply all
your need. The Bible tel ls us that when he

provides even basic |
give thanks. Why sho
wants when we have
for meeting our asi
you been waiting to
want or a need? Aga
God shall supply all
take the limit of
manifest.

Please support the above businesses. They have made this page possible.

selected by a jury panel.
"We strive to always bring
the best to a show," said
Helayne Stillings, director of
American Craft Endeavors,
organizer of this event. "It's a

treat to be able to bring fun
and unique artifacts to places
like Sebring."
Crafters will be showing
off their pottery, clothing,
jewelry and other innovative

pieces. Everything is for sale
and prices are easy on the
wallet.
For more information, visit
www.artfestival.com or call
(954) 472-3755.

Comedy, great singing come to Tanglewood

Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING Comedian
Harley Worthit and vocalist
Crystal Gage will perform
live at Tanglewood on
Sunday, Jan. 27.
Harley Worthit a
Branson veteran from the
Pierce Arrow Show as well as
performing stints with the
Presley family, the Plummer
Family, Ozark Mountain
Opry, and worked with Pam
Tillis, Doug Kershaw and oth-
ers will really tickle your
funny bone. He currently can
be seen with the Branson

Brothers at Silver Dollar City.
Crystal Gage, a country
music performer from
Windsord,
Canada was
born to per-
form. Singer,
performeing since age r,
producer and
even comedi-
an all define Harley Worthit
this extraordi-
narily talented artist.
Performing since age 8,
Crystal produces her own
highly-acclaimed country
show applauded across North

America. There are no limits
to what she can achieve.
Currently Crystal is assem-
bling a solid song list for her
5th CD release. She has been
seen at Walt Disney World,
Orlando to Nashville to
London Country Jam and
every venue in between.
Crystal Gage will be Canada's
next music star!
Doors open at 6:15, show
begins at 7 p.m. Tickets avail-
able at. the door for $10.
Seating is cabaret and theatre
styles. Full snack bar is open
at 6:15. Call 402-0763.

GENERAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The publisher reserves the right to cen-
sor, reclassify, revise, edit, or reject any
classified advertisement not meeting
our standards. We accept only standard
abbreviations and required proper
punctuation.
ERRORS

We make every effort to avoid errors in
advertisements. Please check your ad
the first day it appears. We cannot be
responsible for incorrect ads beyond the
first business day of an advertising
schedule. If you find an error, report it to
the Classified Advertising Department
immediately. See telephone numbers
listed in this directory. The publisher
assumes no financial responsibility for
errors or omissions. Liability for errors
shall not exceed the cost of that portion
of space occupied by such error.
CANCELLATIONS: When a cancellation
is called in a KILL number will be given
to you. THIS NUMBER IS VERY IMPOR-
TANT and must be used if ad failed to
cancel. All ads cancelled prior to sched-
uled expiration date will be billed for
complete run unless a KILL number has
been issued. Claims for adjustments to
billing of advertising should be made
upon receipt of billing by telephoning
385-6155, 452-1009, or 465-0426.

As a compliment to our valued cus-
tomers, the News-Sun offers five 3-line
ads a month for items under $250 FREE
OF CHARGE. However, due to the high
demand of Classified Advertising, we ask
that these ads be either mailed or hand
delivered to the News-Sun at 2227 US
27 S., Sebring, FL 33870; or e-mailed to
advertising@newssun.com

1050 Legas
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO. PC 07-628
IN RE: ESTATE OF
RICHARD F. SCHERER
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of Ri-
chard F. Scherer, deceased, whose date of
death was September 4th, 2007, and whose
Social Security Number is 285-30-3226, is
pending in the Circuit Court for HIGHLANDS
County, Florida, Probate Division, the address
of which is 430 South Commerce Avenue,
Sebring, FL 33870. The names and addresses
of the personal representative and the person-
al representative's attorney are set forth be-
low.
All creditors of the decedent and other
persons having claims or demands against
decedent's estate on whom a copy of this no-
tice is required to be served must filq their
claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF
3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR-"Pt&AYS
AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF
THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and
other persons having claims or demands
against decedent's estate must file their
claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AF-
TER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION
OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE
TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION
733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE
WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD
SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO
(2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECE-
DENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of the first publication of this
notice is January 13, 2008.
Personal Representative:
Sandra Bourgeois
ANDREW B. JACKSON
ATTORNEY AT LAW
Attorney for Personal Representative
150 NORTH COMMERCE AVENUE
P.O. BOX 2025
SEBRING, FL 33871-2025
Telephone: (863) 382-3686
Florida Bar No. 0038826
January 13, 20, 2008
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: GC07-918
DEIN P. SPRIGGS, TRUSTEE OF THE DEIN
P. SPRIGGS PROFIT SHARING TRUST,
Plaintiff,
vs.
MAGALLY BASTARDO, dead or alive, and the
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees, or
other parties claiming by, through, under, or
against MAGALLY BASTARDO,
Defendant.
NOTICE OF ACTION PROPERTY
TO: MAGALLY BASTARDO
LAST KNOWN ADDRESS
1311 APRICOT COURT
CASSELBERRY, FLORIDA 32707
or if any of the aforesaid persons is dead, then
his or her unknown heirs, devisees, legatees
or grantees; and any and all other persons or
parties claiming by, through, under or against
them; and all claimants, persons or parties,
natural or corporate, or whose exact legal sta-
tus, if known, claiming under any of the above
named or interest in and to the lands hereafter
described.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
to quiet title for the following described prop-
erty in HIGHLANDS County, Florida, to-wit:
LOT 3, BLOCK 111, SUN N LAKE ES-
TATES, SECTION 10, ACCORDING TO THE
PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT
BOOK 8, PAGE 81, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS
OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA.
has been filed against you, and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any, to it on the Plaintiff's attorney,
whose name and address is:
James S. Strouss, III, P.A.
10897 154th Road North,
Jupiter, Florida 33478
and file the original with the Clerk of the above
styled Court on or before February 13, 2008,
otherwise a judgment may be entered against
you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
Witness my hand and the seal of said
Court on January 4th, 2008.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER,
Clerk of Circuit Court
BY: /s/ Annette E. Daff
Deputy Clerk
January 13, 20, 27; February 3, 2008
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO.: GC-07-1155
LORENE K. BROWN
Plaintiff(s)
vs.
MARCELINO PABON SANTOS
Defendant(s)
NOTICE OF ACTION-PROPERTY
TO: Marcelino Pabon Santos
a/k/a Marcelino Santos Pabon
Paseo Colinas #3282

1050
Levittown, PR00949
and
J.M. Monge F.B. 23 6th Sec.
Levittown, Catano, PR 00632
Last known residences and addresses
and the unknown heirs, devisees,
legatees or grantees or Marcelino Pabon
Santos, if deceased.
or if any of the aforesaid persons is dead,
then his or her unknown heirs, devisees, lega-
tees or grantees; and any and all other per-
sons or parties claiming by, through, under or
against them; and all claimants, persons or
parties, natural or corporate, or whose exact
legal status, if known, claiming under any of
the above named or interest in and to the
lands hereafter described.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an Ac-
tion to Quiet Title for the following described
property in Highlands County, Florida, to wit:
Lot 31, Block 61, SEBRING COUNTRY ES-
TATES, Section 3, according to the plat there-
of recorded in Plat Book 9, Page(s) 6, of the
Public Records of Highlands County, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any to it, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney,
whose name and address is: David F. Lanier,
Esq., P.O. Box 400, Avon Park, Florida
33826-0400, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled Court on or before
January 28th, 2008, otherwise a judgment
may be entered against you for the relief de-
manded in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and the seal of said
Court on December 19th, 2007.
L. E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of Circuit Court
By: /s/ LisaTantillo
Deputy Clerk
December 23, 30, 2007; January 6, 13, 2008

Subscribe to the

News-Sun

Call

385-6155

452-1009

465-0426

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
PROBATE DIVISION
FILE NO. PC 07-544
IN RE: ESTATE OF
CHARLOTTE EAGAN
Deceased.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of CHAR-
LOTTE EAGAN, deceased, whose date of death
was May 9, 2006, File Number PC 07-544, is
pending in the Circuit Court for HIGHLANDS
County, Florida, Probate Division, the address
of which is 430 S. Commerce Avenue. The
names and addresses of the personal repre-
sentative and the personal representative's at-
torney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other
persons having claims or demands against
decedent's estate on whom a copy of this no-
tice has been served must file their claims
with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3
MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS
AFTER THE TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF
THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and
other persons having claims or demands
against decedent's estate must file their
claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AF-
TER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION
OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE
FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD
SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO
(2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DESCEND-
ANT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice
is: January 6, 2008.
Personal Representative:
MARY LYNN KELLOGG
618 N. Lake Blvd.
Mahopac, NY 10541
Attorney for Personal Representatives:
CLIFFORD R. RHOADES, PA.
,Florida Bar No. 308714
..2141 Lakeview Drive
Sebring, FL 33870
Telephone: (863) 385-0346
January 4, 11, 2008
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 06-943
SUN 'N LAKE OF SEBRING IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT, a special district and a public
corporation of the State of Florida,
Plaintiff,
vs.
ANTHONY T. MARCUZZI and DIANE M. MAR-
CUZZI, as Joint Tenants with Right of Survi-
viorship,if alive and if not, their unknown
spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors,
or other parties claiming by, through, under or
against ANTHONY T. MARCUZZI and DIANE
M. MARCUZZI, and all claimants under any of
such party;
EDWIN J. KESTNER and LEVADA D. KEST-
NER, His Wife, if alive and if not, their un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against EDWIN J. KESTNER
and LEVADA D. KESTNER, and all claimants
under any of such party;
TRILLIUM HOLDINGS, INC., a Canadian Cor-
poration; and
HOWARD C. BROWN and HELENE J. BROWN,
as Joint Tenants wtih Right of Survivorship, if
alive and if not, their unknown spouse, heirs,
devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties
claiming by, through, under or against HO-
WARD C. BROWN and HELENE J. BROWN,
and all claimants under any of such party;
WILTON VENTURES, INC., a Florida corpora-
tion; its successors or assigns, and
PIERRE RICHARD JOSEPH, if alive and if not,
his unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grant-
ees, creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against PIERRE RICHARD
JOSEPH, and all claimants under any of such
party;
Defendants.
NOTICE OF SUIT-PROPERTY
TO: PIERRE RICHARD JOSEPH, if alive and if
not, his unknown spouse, heirs, devisees,
grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming
by, through, under or against PIERRE RI-
CHARD JOSEPH, and all claimants under any
of such party;
14315 S.W. 272 Lane, Homestead, FL
33032
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
to foreclose bonded capital improvements and
operation and maintenance assessments liens
on the following property in Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida:
Parcel 5: Lot 18, Block 200, Unit 11, SUN
'N LAKE ESTATES OF SEBRING, according to
the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 9, Page
69, of the Public Records of Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any, to Loretta J. Thompson, Esquire,
JOHN K. MCCLURE, P.A., 230 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, the Plain-
tiff's attorney, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled court on or before
February 5th, 2008; otherwise a default may
be entered against you for the relief demanded
in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said court on
the 7th day of January, 2008.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: /s/ Priscilla Michalak
Deputy Clerk
January 13, 20, 2008

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 07-680
SUN 'N LAKE OF SEBRING IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT, a special district and a public
corporation of the State of Florida,
Plaintiff,
vs.
FLAUBERT ANOZA, if alive and if not, his un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against FLAUBERT ANOZA,

1050
and all claimants under any of such party;
BERNICE E. LUDWIG, if alive and if not, her
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or or against BERNICE E. LUD-
WIG, and all claimants under any of such par-
ty;
Defendants.
NOTICE OF SUIT-PROPERTY
TO: FLAUBERT ANOZA, if alive and if not, his
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against FLAUBERT ANOZA,
and all claimants under any of such party;
4088 N.W. 88 Avenue, #415, Sunrise, FL
33351
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
to foreclose bonded capital improvements and
operation and maintenance assessments liens
on the following property in Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida:
Parcel 1: Lot 10, Block 202, Unit 11, SUN
'N LAKE ESTATES OF SEBRING, according to
the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 9, Page
69, of the Public Records of Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any, to Loretta J. Thompson, Esquire,
JOHN K. MCCLURE, P.A., 230 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, the Plain-
tiff's attorney, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled court on or before
February 5th, 2008; otherwise a default may
be entered against you for the relief demanded
in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said court on
the 7th day of January, 2008.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: /s/ Priscilla Michalak
Deputy Clerk
January 13, 20, 2008

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 07-683
SUN 'N LAKE OF SEBRING IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT, a special district and a public
corporation of the State of Florida,
Plaintiff,
vs.
ROBLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-AIME, if
alive and if not, their unknown spouse, heirs,
devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties
claiming by, through, under or against RO-
BLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-AIME, and
all claimants under any of such party;
DUQUE RICARDO CABRERA and BARONESA
F. ROSSET DESANDRE, if alive and if not,
their unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grant-
ees, creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against DUQUE RICARDO
CABRERA and BARONESA F. ROSSET DE-
SANDRE, and all claimants under any of such
party;
TIM HARRINGTON, if alive and if not, his un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against TIM HARRINGTON,
and all claimants under any of such party;
GILBERTO ARANA, if alive and if not, his un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against GILBERTO ARANA,
and all claimants under any of such party;
Defendants.
NOTICE OF SUIT-PROPERTY
TO: ROBLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-
AIME, if alive and if not, their unknown
spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors,
or other parties claiming by, through, under or
against ROBLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-
AIME, and all claimants under any of such
party;
650 S.W. 100 Terrace, Pembroke Pines,
FL 33025
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
to foreclose bonded capital improvements and
operation and maintenance assessments liens
on the following property in Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida:
Parcel 1: Lot 15, Block 152, Unit 10, SUN
'N LAKE ESTATES OF SEBRING, according to
the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 9, Page
60, of the Public Records of Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any, to Loretta J. Thompson, Esquire,
JOHN K. MCCLURE, P.A., 230 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, the Plain-
titt's attorney, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled court on or before
February 5th, 2008; otherwise a default may
be entered against you for the relief demanded
in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said court on
the 7th day of January, 2008.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: /s/ Priscilla Michalak
Deputy Clerk
January 13, 20, 2008

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 07-770
SUN 'N LAKE OF SEBRING IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT, a special district and a public
corporation of the State of Florida,
Plaintiff,
vs.
WILSON NORELUS, if alive and if not, his un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against WILSON NORELUS,
and all claimants under any of such party;
AZIM WALIMOHAMED, if alive and if not, his
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against AZIM WALIMO-
HAMED and all claimants under any of such
party;
CHRISTINE PIERRE, if alive and if not, her un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against CHRISTINE
PIERRE, and all claimants under any of such
party;
GAETAN J. LEFEBVRE, if alive and if not, his
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against GAETAN J. LEFEB-
VRE, and all claimants under any of such par-
ty;
Defendants.
NOTICE OF SUIT-PROPERTY
TO: WILSON NORELUS, if alive and if not, his
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against WILSON NORELUS,
and all claimants under any of such party;
18926 N.W. 56th Court, Miami, FL 33055
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action

community,

and we are

committed to

bringing you

the highest

quality, most

complete

coverage in

Highlands

to foreclose bonded capital improvements and
operation and maintenance assessments liens
on the following property in Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida:
Parcel 1: Lot 36, Block 161, Unit 10, SUN
'N LAKE ESTATES OF SEBRING, according to
the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 9, Page
60, of the Public Records of Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any, to Loretta J. Thompson, Esquire,
JOHN K. MCCLURE, P.A., 230 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, the Plain-
tiff's attorney, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled court on or before
February 5th, 2008; otherwise a default may
be entered against you for the relief demanded
in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said court on
the 7th day of January, 2008.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: /s/ Priscilla Michalak
Deputy Clerk
January 13, 20, 2008

News-Sun

is dedicated

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

Sunday, January 13, 2008 3C

1050 Legal
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 07-815
SUN 'N LAKE OF SEBRING IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT, a special district and a public
corporation of the State of Florida,
Plaintiff,
vs.
LARA GROUP, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability
Company, its successors and assigns;
STELLA M. FREDERICK, if alive and if not, her
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against STELLA M. FRED-
ERICK, and all claimants under any of such
party;
MARCEL LACROIX, if alive and if not, his un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,.
through, under or against MARCEL LACROIX,
and all claimants under any of such party:
ALFREDO ENRIQUE RUIZ CHIRINOS, if alive
and if not, his unknown spouse, heirs, devi-.
sees, grantees, creditors, or other parties
claiming by, through, under or against ALFRE-
DO ENRIQUE RUIZ CHIRINOS, and all claim-
ants under any of such party;
Defendants.
NOTICE OF SUIT-PROPERTY
TO: ALFREDO ENRIQUE RUIZ CHIRINOS, if
alive and if not, his unknown spouse, heirs,
devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties
claiming by, through, under or against ALFRE-
DO ENRIQUE RUIZ CHIRINOS, and all claim-
ants under any of such party;
6176 S.W. 2 Street, Margate, FL 33063
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
to foreclose bonded capital improvements and
operation and maintenance assessments liens
on the following property in Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida:
Parcel 3: Lot 17, Block 172, Unit 10, SUN
'N LAKE ESTATES OF SEBRING, according to
the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 9, Page
60, of the Public Records of Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any, to Loretta J. Thompson, Esquire,
JOHN K. MCCLURE, P.A., 230 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, the Plain-
tiff's attorney, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled court on or before
January 29th, 2008; otherwise a default may
be entered against you for the relief demanded
in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said court on
the 4th day of January, 2008.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: /s/ Lisa Tantillo
Deputy Clerk
January 13, 20, 2008

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 07-1040
SUN 'N LAKE OF SEBRING IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT, a special district and a public
corporation of the State of Florida,
Plaintiff,
vs.
VASCO BARTOLOMEN DE FREITAS RODRI-
GUEZ and MARIA DE FATIMA de DE FREITAS
OLIVAL, His Wife, if alive and if not, their un-
known spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming- by,
through, under or against VASCO BARTOLO-
MEN DE FREITAS RODRIGUEZ and MARIA DE
FATIMA de DE FREITAS OLIVAL, and all
claimants under any of such party;
JUAN JOSE RIVERA, a single man, if alive and
if not, his unknown spouse, heirs, devisees,
grantees, creditors, or other parties claiming
by, through, under or against JUAN JOSE
RIVERA, and all claimants under any of such
party:
ADELAIDA B. DE GONZALEZ and JOSE A.
- GONZALEZ, Her Husband, if alive And if not,
their unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grant-
ees, creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against ADELAIDA B. DE
GONZALEZ and JOSE A. GONZALEZ, and all
claimants under any of such party;
RAYMOND JAMES ABBOTT and ELIZABETH
ANN ABBOTT, His Wife, if alive and if not,
their unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grant-
ees, creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against RAYMOND JAMES
ABBOTT and ELIZABETH ANN ABBOTT, and
all claimants under any of such party;
ASSET RECLAIM CORPORATION d/b/a IN-
SIGHT RECOVERY GROUP, a Florida corpora-
tion, its successors and/or assigns,
Defendants.
NOTICE OF SUIT-PROPERTY
TO: ADELAIDA B. DE GONZALEZ and JOSE A.
GONZALEZ, Her Husband, if alive and if not,
their unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grant-
ees, creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against ADELAIDA B. DE
GONZALEZ and JOSE A. GONZALEZ, and all
claimants under any of such party;
Calle Pleasante No. 152 Ler Piso, Santurce,
PR 00911
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
to foreclose bonded capital improvements and
operation and maintenance assessments liens
on the following property in Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida:
Parcel 3: Lot 08, Block 357, Unit 16, SUNI
'N LAKE ESTATES OF SEBRING, according to
the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 10,
Page 04, of the Public Records of Highlands
County, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es, if any, to Loretta J. Thompson, Esquire,
JOHN K. MCCLURE, P.A, 230 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, the Plain-
tiff's attorney, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled court on or before
February 5th, 2008; otherwise a default may
be entered against you for the relief demanded
in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said court on
the 7th day of January, 2008.
L.E. LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of the Circuit Court

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT,
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 07-648
SUN 'N LAKE OF SEBRING IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT, a special district and a public
corporation of the State of Florida,
Plaintiff,
vs.
ADRIENNE CHERELUS, if alive and if not, her
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against ADRIENNE CHERE-
LUS, and all claimants under any of such par-
ty.
ALDORE ROUSSELLE and LAURIE ANN
ROUSSELLE, as Joint Tenants with Right of
Survivorship, if alive and if not, their unknown
spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors,
or other parties claiming by, through, under or
against ALDORE ROUSSELLE and LAURIE
ANN ROUSSELLE, 'and all claimants under any
of such party:
WIHASCOCH DEVELOPMENT, LLC, a Florida
Limited Liability Company;
LUIS A. RIVERA SAEZ, if alive and if not, his
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against LUIS A. RIVERA
SAEZ, and all claimants under any of such
party;
ROBLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-AIME, if
alive and if not, their unknown spouse, heirs,
devisees, grantees, creditors, or other parties
claiming by, through, under or against RO-
BLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-AIME,, and
all claimants under any of such party;
HARRY ORFANDIS and JOHN ORFANDIS, as
tenants in Common, if alive and if not, their
unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees,
creditors, or other parties claiming by,
through, under or against HARRY ORFANDIS
and JOHN ORFANDIS, and all claimants under
any of such party;
Defendants.
S NOTICE OF SUIT-PROPERTY
TO: ROBLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-
AIME, if alive and if not, their unknown
spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors,
or other parties claiming by, through, under or
against ROBLIN FRANCOIS and CELINE BIEN-
AIME,, and all claimants under any of such
party;
18926 N.W. 56 Court, Miami, FL 33055
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
to foreclose bonded capital improvements and
operation and maintenance assessments liens
on the following property in Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida:
Parcel 3: Lot 50, Block 201, Unit 11, SUN
'N LAKE ESTATES OF SEBRING, according to
the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 9, Page
69, of the Public Records of Highlands Coun-
ty, Florida.
has been filed against you and you are re-
quired to serve a copy of your written defens-
es. if any, to Loretta J. Thompson, Esquire.
JOHN K. MCCLURE, P.A., 230 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, FL 33870, the Plain-
tiff's attorney, and file the original with the
Clerk of the above styled court on or before
February 5th, 2008; otherwise a default may
be entered against you for the relief demanded
in the Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of said court on
the 7th day of January, 2008.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of the Circuit Court
By: Is/ Priscilla Michalak
Deputy Clerk
January 13, 20, 2008

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE 10TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY
Case #: 2007 CA 000929
La Salle Bank National Association, as Trustee
for Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust
Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates,
Series 2006-0PT1,
PLAINTIFF,
-vs-
Frank Downs a/k/a Frank Downs, I1; Sheryl
J. Downs; Premium Asset Recovery
Corporation; Unknown Parties in Possession
#1; Unknown Parties in Possession #2; If liv-
ing, and all Unknown Parties claiming by,
through,'under and against the above named
Defendant(s) who are not known to be dead
or alive, whether said Unknown Parties may
claim an interest as Spouse, Heirs, Devisees,
Grantees, or Other Claimants
DEFENDANT(S).
NOTICE OF ACTION
FORECLOSURE PROCEEDINGS PROPERTY
TO: Sheryl J. Downs;
Residence unknown, if living, including any
unknown spouse of the said Defendants if ei-
ther has remarried and if either or both of said
Defendants are dead, their respective un-
known heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees,
creditors, lienors, and trustees, and all other
persons claiming by, through, under or
against the named Defendant(s) SHERYL J.
DOWNS; and the aforementioned named De-
fendant(s) and such of the aforementioned
unknown Defendants and such of the afore-
mentioned unknown Defendants as may be in-
fants, incompetents or otherwise not sui juris.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action
has been commenced to foreclose a mortgage
on the following real property, lying and being
and situated in HIGHLANDS County, Florida,
more particularly described as follows:
LOT 26, BLOCK 24, OF ORANGE BLOS-
SOM ESTATES, UNIT NO. 12, ACCORDING TO
THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT
BOOK 9, PAGE 65, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS
OF HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA.
more commonly known as 1904 Alan
Street, Sebring, FL 33875.
This action as been filed against you and

News'Sun
Written. Printed. Published. IN Highlands County.

We now have open newspaper

routes in your area.

If you are interested in delivering

the News-Sun 3 days a week,

please call 385-6155 or stop by

the News-Sun office at

2227 US 27 South in

Sebring.

Newspaper
carriers are
independent
contractors
and are not
employees of
the News-Sun
or Harbor
Point Media.

1050 Legals
you are required to serve a copy of your writ-
ten defense. if any, upon SHAPIRO & FISH-
MAN, LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose ad-
dress is 2424 North Federal Highway, Suite
360, Boca Raton. Florida 33431, within thirty
(30) days after the first publication of this no-
tice, February 4. 2008. and file the original
with the clerk of this Court either before serv-
ice on Plaintiff's attorney or immediately
thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered
against you for the relief demanded in the
Complaint.
WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court
on the 28th day of December, 2007.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Circuit and County Courts
By: /s/ Annette E. Daff
Deputy Clerk
IF YOU ARE PERSON WITH A DISABILITY
WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN OR-
DER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING,
YOU ARE ENTITLED. AT NO COST TO YOU,
TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSIS-
TANCE. PLEASE CONTACT COURT ADMINIS-
TRATION AT 430 S. COMMERCE AVENUE,
SEBRING, FLORIDA 33870,- TELEPHONE
(863) 386-6617, WITHIN TWO (2) WORKING
DAYS OF YOUR RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE; IF
YOU AR HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED,
CALL 1-800-955-8771.
January 6,13,2008
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE
TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY
CASE NO. GC-07-430
SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC.
-vs-
ERIC A. COVLEY et. al.
Defendants.
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a
Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated Decem-
ber 14, 2007, and entered in Case No. GC-07-
430, of the Circuit Court of the Tenth Judicial
Circuit in and for Highlands County, Florida,
wherein SUNTRUST MORTGAGE, INC., is a
Plaintiff and ERIC A. COVLEY, IF LIVING, AND
IF DEAD. THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS,
DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIE-
NORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL
OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST
BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST ERIC A.
COVLEY; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ERIC A
COVLEY; INDYMAC BANK, FSB; UNKNOWN
TENANT #1; UNKNOWN TENANT #2; are the
Defendants. I will sell to the highest and best
bidder for cash at 430 S. Commerce Ave..
Basement, Jury Assembly Room, Sebring, FL
33870, at 11:00 A.M. on January 28, 2008,
the following described property as set forth
in said Final Judgment, to wit:
LOT 16, BLOCK 20, SUN 'N LAKE ESTATES
OF SEBRING, UNIT 2, ACCORDING TO THE
PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK.9,

1050 ,-,s
PAGE 48. OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF
HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Any person claiming an interest in the sur-
plus from the sale. if any, other than the prop-
erty owner as of the date of the lis pendens
must file a claim within 60 days after the sale.
LUKEE. BROOKER
As Clerk of the Court
By: /s/ Lisa Tantillo
As Deputy Clerk
Dated this 20th day of December, 2007.
Ben-Ezra & Katz, P.A.
Attorneys for Plaintiff
2901 Stirling Road, Suite 300
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312
Telephone: (305) 770-4100
Fax: (305) 653-2329
January 6,13, 2008

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT
OF THE TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
IN AND FOR HIGHLANDS COUNTY, FLORIDA
CASE NO. GC 07-637
WAUCHULA STATE BANK,
Plaintiff,
V.
JANICE L. GALLAGHER, and
JAMES E. GALLAGHER,
Defendants.
NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO
FLORIDA STATUTE CHAPTER 45
NOTICE IS GIVEN that pursuant to a SUM-
MARY FINAL JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE
AND AWARD OF ATTORNEYS FEES dated DE-
CEMBER 27, 2007, in the above styled cause,
I will sell to the highest and best bidder for
cash at the Jury Assembly Room of the High-
lands County Courthouse, 430 South Com-
merce Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33870, at
11:00 A.M. on JANUARY 24TH, 2008, the fol-.
lowing described property:
Lots 6, 7, and 8, Block 2, HILL CREST AD-
DITION, according to the map or plat thereof
as recorded in Plat Book 2, Page(s) 98, Public
Records of Highlands County, Florida.
Dated this 31st day of December, 2007.
L.E. "LUKE" BROOKER
Clerk of Court
By: /s/ Annette E. Daff
As Deputy Clerk
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I HEREBY CERTIFY that a true and correct
copy of the foregoing has been furnished by
regular US Mail this 31st day of December,
2007, to Clifford M. Ables, Ill, Attorney for
Plaintiff, 551 S. Commerce Ave., Sebring, FL
33870, and KIMBERLY LOUISE SAPP, Es-
quire, attorney for the Defendant Janice L.
Gallagher, deceased, 401 Dal Hall Blvd., Lake
Placid, FL 33852.
/s/ Annette E. Daff
Court Clerk
January 6, 13, 2008

1050 gals
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Sun 'n Lake of
Sebring Improvement District has entered into
a contract subject to tile approval of the Board
of Supervisors of the District for purchase of
the following described real property: 3914
Florida Avenue, Sebring, Florida 33872.
Inquiries or comments regarding such proper-
ty acquisition may be provided in writing to Al
Grieshaber, General Manager, 5306 Sun 'n
Lakes Boulevard, Sebring, Florida 33872, or
by telephone at 863-382-2196, or may be
voiced at the regularly scheduled meeting on
February 22, 2008, at 9:00 a.m., located at the
Community Center, 3500 Edgewater Drive,
Sebring, Florida 33870. The Board intends to
consider action on the purchase of the Prop-
erty at a public meeting to be held February
22,2008.
January 13, 2008

NOTICE OF FINAL AGENCY ACTION
BY THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA
WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
NOTICE is given that the District's Final Agency
Action is approval of the General Water Use Permit on
184.3 acres to serve Public Supply known as Highway
Park Water System. The project is located in High-
lands County, Section(s) 07 & 08, Township 37
South, Range 30 East. The permit applicant is High-
lands County Board of County Commissioners whose
address is 505 South Commerce Avenue, Sebring,
Florida 33870.
The permit number is 20011609.002.
The files) pertaining to the project referred to
above is available for inspection Monday through Fri-
day except for legal holidays, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,
at the Southwest Florida Water Management District
(District), 170 Century Blvd., Bartow, FL 33830-7700.
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
Any person whose substantial interests are affect-
ed by the District's action regarding this permit may
request an administrative hearing in accordance with
Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes (F.S.),
and Chapter 28-106, Florida Administrative Code
(F.A.C.), of the Uniform Rules of Procedure. A request
for hearing must (1) explain how the substantial inter-
ests of each person requesting the hearing will be af-
fected by the District's action, or final action; (2) state
all material facts disputed by each person requesting
the hearing or state that there are no disputed facts;
and (3) otherwise comply with Chapter 28-106, F.A.C.
A request for hearing must be filed with and received
by the Agency Clerk of the District at the-District's
Brooksville address, 2379 Broad Street, Brooksville,
FL 34604-6899 within 21 days of publication of this
notice (or within 14 days for an Environmental Re-
source Permit with Proprietary.Authorization for the
use of Sovereign Submerged Lands). Failure to file a
request for hearing within this time period shall con-
stitute a waiver of any right such person may have to
request a hearing under Sections 120.569 and
120.57, F.S.
Because the administrative hearing process is de-
signed to formulate final agency action, the filing of a
petition means that the District's final action may be
different from the position taken by it in this notice of
final agency action. Persons whose substantial inter-
ests will be affected by any such final decision of the
District on the application have the right to petition to
become a party to the proceeding, in accordance with

1050 Legals
the requirements set forth above
Mediation pursuant Io Section 120.573, F.S.. to
settle an administrative dispute regarding the Dis-
trict's final action in this matter is not available prior
to the tiling of a request for hearing.
January 13, 2008

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice of Public Sale of the contents of self-
storage unit(s) in default of contract per F.S.
83:801-809. Units will be sold by sealed bid at
10:00 AM on JANUARY 18, 2008, at High-
lands Self Storage Inc., 7825 S George Blvd.,
Sebring FL 33872. All units contain household
goods unless otherwise noted. Any vehicles
within units sold for parts only.
STUBBS DEVIN UNIT #12
FLIPPIN AMBER UNIT #44
January 13,16,2008
VACANCY FOR
WATER SUPERINTENDENT
SPRING LAKE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
SEBRING, FLORIDA
This position will be responsible for the plan-
ning, organizing, directing, and implementa-
tion of all operations for the water treatment
plant. A minimum of ten years experience in
the utilities filed is required, along with a valid
Class "C" or higher FDEP Water Treatment
Operations License, and a Water Distribution
License. Must be knowledgeable in DEP rules
and regulations, sampling and reporting,
budget preparation and implementation, and
supervision. Salary range is $52-59K with a
full benefit package. Submit resume to District
Office, 115 Spring Lake Blvd., Sebring, Florida
33876 by no later than January 29, 2008.
January 13,16,18, 2008

S Highlands
1055 County Legals
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
GENERAL SERVICES & PURCHASING
INVITATION TO BID (ITB)
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC), High-
lands County, Sebring, Florida, will receive sealed
bids in the County Purchasing Department for:
ITB 08-024 SPORTS COMPLEX CONCESSION
BUILDING PROJECT No. 06071
Copies of the plans and specifications are on file and
available for public inspection from Gerald (Jed) Se-
cory, Director, Highlands County General Services /
Purchasing Department, 4320 George Blvd., Sebring,
FL. 33875-5803, 863-402-6523, Fax: 6735, or by E-
Mail: gsecorv@hcbcc.org Copies of the drawings and
specifications may be obtained from the above loca-
tion upon payment of $28.14 for each set. No partial
sets will be issued.
A Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid meeting will be held at
1:00 P.M. on Wednesday January 16. 2008 at the
Purchasing Conference Room, 4320 George Blvd..
Sebring, FL 33875. Site visit will proceed the pre-bid.
Submit two (2) originals and two (2) copies of your
IU

1055 Highlands
1055 County Legals
bid form, bid security and other required data in a
sealed envelope marked with the bid number and
name so as to identify the enclosed bid submittal. Bid
envelopes must be sealed and marked with the bid
number and name so as to identify the enclosed sub-
mittal. Bids must be delivered to the Highlands Coun-
ty Purchasing Department. 4320 George Blvd., Sebr-
ing, FL 33875-5803 so as to reach said office no later
than 2:00 P.M., Thursday. January 31, 2008, at
which time they Will be opened. Bids received later
than the date and time as specified will be rejected.
The Board will not be responsible for late deliveries of
bids that are incorrectly addressed, delivered in per-
son, by mail. or any other type of delivery service
One or more County Commissioners may be in at-
tendance at either of the above meetings.
Vendors submitting responses most submit bids on
all work to receive consideration. A Bid Bond or Cash-
ier's Check in an amount of five percent (5%) of the
bid must be included on bids over $100,000.00. If the
successful bid is greater than S200.000.00, a Public
Construction Bond will be required of the Awarded
Vendor. Bid must be accompanied by evidence of bid-
der's qualifications to do business in the state of Flor-
ida, in accordance with F.S. 489.
The principal features, as defined above, are not in-
tended to cover every aspect of the installation de-
tails. The Contractor shall be responsible for review-
ing the specifications to determine full scope of work
and specific requirements for the project, which in-
clude familiarity and compliance with all Federal,
State, and local laws and regulations.
The Highlands County Board of County Commission-
ers (HCBCC/COUNTY) reserves the right to accept or
reject any or all bids or any parts thereof, and the
award, if an award is made, will be made to the most
responsible bidder whose bid and qualifications indi-
cate that the award will be in the best interest of High-
lands County. The Board reserves the right to waive
irregularities in the bid.
The COUNTY further reserves the right to direct pur-
chase materials for this project, if in their opinion a
significant cost savings can be realized.
The Board of County Commissioners of Highlands
County, Florida, does not discriminate upon the basis
of any individual's disability status. This non-discrim-
ination policy involves every aspect of the Board's
functions, including one's access to, participation.
employment or treatment in its programs or activities.
Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as pro-
vided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act or
Section 286.26 Florida Statutes should contact Mr.
John A. Minor. ADA Coordinator at: 863-402-6509
(Voice), or via Florida Relay Service 711, or by e-mail:
Jminor@hcbcc.org Requests for CART or interpreter
services should be made at least 24 hours in advance
to permit coordination of the service.
Board of County Commissioners
Purchasing Department -
Highlands County, Florida
Website: hcbcc.net
January 6, 13, 2008

HIGHLANDS COUNTY
LEGAL NOTICES
The following legal notices are from the Highlands
County Board of County Commissioners and are be-
ing published in the font, size, and leading as per their
specifications.
HIGHLANDS COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
(HCBCC)
GENERAL SERVICES & PURCHASING
INVITATION TO BID (ITB)
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC), High-
lands County, Sebring, Florida, will receive sealed
bids in the County Purchasing Department for:
ITB 08-026 ADVERTISING "2007" DELINQUENT
TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES
ITB 08-027 ADVERTISING "2007" DELINQUENT
REAL ESTATE TAXES
Specifications may be obtained from Gerald (Jed) Se-
cory, Director, Highlands County General Services /
Purchasing Department, 4320 George Blvd., Sebring,
33875-5803, 863-402-6523, Fax: 6735. or by E-Mail:,
osecorv@hcbcc.orq
Bid envelopes must be sealed and marked with the
bid number and name so as to identify the enclosed
bid submittal. Bids must be delivered to Highlands
County Purchasing Department, 4320 George Blvd.,
Sebring, FL 33875-5803 so as to reach said office no
later than 2:00 P.M., Thursday, January 31, 2008, at
which time they will be opened. Bids received later
than the date and'time as specified will be rejected.
The Board will not be responsible for the late deliver-
les of bids that are incorrectly addressed, delivered in
person, by mail or any other type of delivery service.
One or more County Commissioners may be in at-
tendance at the above bid opening.
The Highlands County Board of County Commission-
ers (HCBC/County) reserves the right to accept or re-
ject any or all bids or any parts thereof, and the
award, if an award is made. will be made to the most
responsive and responsible bidder whose bid and
qualifications indicate that the award will be in the
best interest of Highlands County. The. Board re-
serves the right to waive irregularities in the bid.
The Board of County Commissioners of Highlands
County, Florida, does not discriminate upon the basis
of any individual's disability status. This non-discrim-
ination policy involves every aspect of the Board's
functions, including one's access to, participation,
employment or treatment in its programs or activities.
Anyone requiring reasonable accommodation as pro-
vided for in the Americans with Disabilities Act or
Section 286.26 Florida Statutes should contact Mr.
John A. Minor, ADA Coordinator at: 863-402-6509
(Voice), or via Florida Relay Service 711, or by e-mail:
Jminor@hcbcc.orQ. Requests for CART or interpreter
services should be made at least 24 hours in advance
to permit coordination of the service.
Board of County Commissioners
Purchasing Department
Highlands County, Florida
Website: www.hchcc.net
January 13, 20, 2008

Announcements

Bringing Satisfied Buyers And SellerTogeth-
er
LAKE PLACID RV CONSIGNMENT CENTER.
107 Us Hwy 27 N Lake Placid, Florida
Looking to buy, sell, or service your R.V. we
offer it all, with over 25 years R.V. experience.
NOW EXCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS!
Free adbertisement, No lot or storage fees we
also offer RV financing and warranties to help
in the sale of your RV.
RV Service And Repair Center.
Parts, RV repairs, RV detailing and more. You
can bring your RV to us or we will come to
you. (Mobile Service Available.) Call our serv-
ice technician (Alberto) for great service, with
over 25 yrs experience compare our labor rate
at only $65.00 hr and you will find our rate
can't be beat.
Great location-in front of the Winn Dixie shop-
ping center 100% CONSIGNMENT CENTER,
our #1 goal is selling your unit!!! Call today
for more information let us do the work for
you! (863) 699-5778 -
Toll Free (866) 711-0269.

CHECK

YOUR AD

Please check your ad on the first day
it runs to make sure it is correct.
Sometimes instructions over the
phone are misunderstood and an er-
ror can occur. If this happens to you,
please call us the first day your ad
appears and we will be happy to fix
it as soon as we can.
If We can assist you, please call us:
385-6155--452-1009
465-0426
News-Sun Classified

A HANDYMAN
Aluminum, Phone and TV lacks,
Minor Plumbing, Carpentry, Fans,
Repairs, Screens & Painting.
863-385-1936
DID YOU Know You May Be Entitled To A Pre-
mium Refund If You've Ever Had AN Insured
Mortgage. NO OBLIGATION. Call863-471-
1672.

RIDGE AEA arc is looking for self motivated,
energetic, caring people who want to make a
difference in people's lives. The ARC offers
programs for people with developmental disa-
bilities.
Community services specialist(PT compan-
ion/personal care)
Residential assistant(Ft in group home)
call 452-1295 and 5 for job listing details
apply in person at Ridge Area Arc
120 w college drive, avon parkFI
EOE/drug free workplace

RNs-LPNs-CNAs
FOR WEEKENDS
START THE NEW
YEAR A NEW WAY!
We need the best and brightest to be
involved in a culture change,
neighborhood environment being
nnovated at The Palms! You will be a
part of a small team committed to
delivering the best care.
"Together We Improve Lives!"
Apply in person at 725 South Pine
Street, Sebring or e-mail resume to
palmshr@yahoo.com or fax resume:
(863) 385-2385 Attn: HR

Florida statute 585.195 states that
all dogs and cats sold in Florida
must be at least eight weeks old,
have an official health certificate
and proper shots and be free of in-
testinal and external parasites.

ANNUAL CLUB house sale. Don't miss this
one, something for everyone. Bake sale &
special funnel cakes. Lake Bonnet Village. RT
17- across from shriners. Jan 19. 8AM-12PM
I AUDAVIN-MHP Garage sale. Sat, Jan 19th only
8-2PM. Hwy 17 across from shriners.
Having a Garage Sale?
Make more money by reaching thou-
sands of potential customers. For only
$11.27 you get 5 lines for one week in
the News-Sun plus up to four FREE
GARAGE SALE SIGNS! If your sale gets
rained out, call us and we'll run it again
at no additional charge.
Call today! (863) 385-6155.

Lady Devils swept away by Tornados
By ED BALDRIDGE passes, the Tornados kept the 'They kept their
News-Sun correspondent Lady Devils offense hanging
AVON PARK -Like an F-5 out in the wind, and held a hands on our
on the Fujita scale, the commanding 32-12 lead at the
NSSun photo bEDSarasota Booker Tornados half. passes all night.
News-Sun photo by E girls' basketball team swiped "They rattled us in the first
BALDRIDGE
Beonca Godfreyflies past a path of destruction half said Paulette PAULETTE DAILY
the Booker defense, for two through the Avon Park Booker Daily, Avon Park head Avon Park head coach
of her nine points, on this gym on Friday night, coach. "They kept
play. But it was the rattling the Lady i their hands on our Using gusts of speed,
Tornados from Sarasota that Devils' usually solid passes all night. We Booker swept the ball away
blew down the Lad Devils play and defeating Avon Park didn't have confidence nine more times before the
Friday night with a 53-40 53-4053-40. in our shooting. If we game ended, tallying 32 total
win that puts them atop the i u hoig fw
win that puts them atop the Taking the lead could have hit our free turnovers for the night.
district standings. early, the 13-3 throws, we would have Continuing their harass-
Tornados blew into Avon Park been in the game." ment until the final seconds of
to defend their second place The spun-about Lady the fourth period, the Lady
district seat. Devils only hit nine of their Twisters would cap the game
Tied with Avon Park for the 26 attempts at the line. 53-40 at the buzzer.
district's top spot at 7-3, Reassessing the situation "We started out with a slow
Booker came out playing in- during the break, the Lady pace, and during the second
your-face basketball, forcing Devils showed promise early half we tried to come back,
11 turnovers in the first eight in the third period and nar- but we just could not keep our
minutes and lead 19-8 at the rowed the lead by out scoring momentum," said Beonca
start of the second period, the Tornados 11-8, but were Godfrey, who would net nine
Constantly interrupting unable to stop the turnovers, points for the evening.

High School Boys Basketball

Dragons seal one over McKeel

Teamwork pays off after Veley goes down

By DAN HOEHNE
daniel.hoehne@newssun.comi
LAKE PLACID Seeking
to move up in the district
standings, Lake Placid took a
step in that direction Friday
night with a 67-61 over the
visiting Wildcats of McKeel
Academy though it was a
slightly hobbled step.
Hobbled, though all the
more impressive, in that lead-
ing scorer and go-to-guy
Conlin Veley was felled by a
sprained ankle from
the 3:45 mark of the Lake
third quarter until just
1:28 remained in the 6
game. Mc
At the time he went
down the Dragons held
a 42-31 lead which was v
quickly cut by two
after a pair of Terrell Jones
free throws.
But not to be quelled by
Veley's absence, Lake Placid
soon found other options.
First on a feed down low to
Travalier Sholtz for an inside
bucket and then from none
other than Veley's younger
brother, Kirk, who then
canned a three-pointer to up
the lead to 47-33.
This had been after a first
half in which the Dragons
held a steady single-digit lead
that stood at 28-25 at the
intermission.
They came out in a big way
to open the second half with
Veley dunking an alley-oop
pass from Marcus Waugh fol-
lowed by a steal and layup
from Bebo LeGree.

After a free throw from
Wildcat Brad Bozeman,
LeGree drained a triple but
that was matched from down-
town by Jones.
Veley then drove for two
and after a Bozeman score,
Sholtz converted a three-point
play and got a nice feed from
Jonathan Simons for another
deuce just before Veley went
down.
After then upping the lead
to 14, McKeel started to amp

Placid

i7
Keel

iH

up the comeback bid.
Cornelius Toney hit
a jumper and after a
K.J. Delbert free
throw, Jones hit a
three, Bozeman drove
and Toney laid one in
to cut the lead to 48-

But Andre Wilson canned a
free throw and LeGree closed
out the third with another trey
and the lead was back to 10.
The Wildcats were not
about to be tamed yet, howev-
er, as the comeback bid came
on strong again in the fourth.
Bozeman got inside for two
and after Wilson hit a short,
baseline jumper, Toney hit
from downtown and Jones
drove the lane.
LeGree then hit two techni-
cal foul shots and Delbert got
a nice feed from Sholtz for
two before Kirk Veley stole
one and drove to keep the
lead safe at 60-49 for the
moment.
And it seemed just a

See DRAGONS, page 8D

News-Sun photo by DAN HOEHNE
Lake Placid's Marcus Waugh goes airborne on a drive down the lane in the Dragons.67-
61 over McKeel Academy Friday night.

High School Girls Weightlifting

Highlands sending 19

Lady Lifters to Sectionals

New-Sun photo by DAN HOEHNE
Lady Blue Streak Michelle Bash looks to be struggling, but
had little trouble getting this clean-and-jerk up, helping her
to a second-place finish at the sub-sectional to advance to
the Jan. 24 sectional at Port Charlotte.

By AMY HART
News-Sun correspondent
SEBRING Sebring host-
ed the Section 7 qualifying
meet on Saturday where
LaBelle, DeSoto. Hardee,
Avon Park, Lake Placid and
the Lady Blue Steaks vied
to qualify for the sectional
meet Jan. 24.
Each of the six schools
were allowed to have two
girls in each weight class
compete, with the top three
in each weight class moving
on.
Nineteen girls from
Highlands County will be
making the trip after this

day was done.
In the 101-pound weight
class, Sebring's Samary
Camuy took first by a whop-
ping 35 pounds with a com-
bined 165 pounds.
Sebring came in first
again in the 110-pound
weight class with Jennifer
Waldon lifting 170 pounds,
while Lake Placid's Jerica
Worley was third with 145.
At 119 pounds, first place
went to LaBelle's Brooke
Norris with 215 pounds,
Ashley Waldon took third
with 200 pounds to advance.
Lady Red Devil Zakia
Hart came in first in the

129-pound weight class with
240 pounds, 35 pounds
above the competition.
Her impressive perform-
ance was highlighted by her
135-pound bench press.
Sebring's Karley Freeland
took second with 205
pounds and third went to
Avon Park's Nicole Allison
with 200 pounds, after a tie
and a lower weigh in.
Desoto's Mary Price came
in first at 139 pounds with
250 lifted. Lady Blue Streak
Amy Hart totaled 210 for
second and Lady Green
See LADIES, page 8D

And Another
Thing...
Dan Hoehne

Rebounds just

aren't adding up

I don't mean to make light of
either Shaquille O'Neal or Yao
Ming, both of whom I am a
huge fan.
But when I see stat lines that
say one of them had a double-
double, I am usually left want-
ing.
Yao goes for 36 points and
12 rebounds, and I'm supposed
to be impressed?
Shaq scorees 32 and hauls
down 11 rebounds (not this
year of course, just pick a game
from way back when) and
that's supposed to be a great
game?
Give me Wilt scoring 50-
something and coralling 55
rebounds.
Or Bill Russell scoring 19
and nabbing 51 rebounds.
Granted, especially in Wilt's
case, he was a man among
boys, a freak of height, size and
athleticism that was unheard of
in his era.
But even at 7-foot, 1-inch
tall, there were some players in
the 6-9 to 6-10 range, so it's not
as if he was playing against
guys that came up to his waist.
And Russell was one of
those 6-9 guys, so his totals in
rebounds were all the more
impressive.
Because the thing is, if you
break it down, the modern-day
rebounding totals aren't all that
impressive.
Gather 12 rebounds in a
game and all that means is you
were able to get three rebounds
every quarter.
At 7-foot. 6-inches, Yao tow-
ers over most centers at least as
much so as Chamberlain did.
With that in mind. you'd
think he'd get three rebounds
by accident each quarter.
In Friday night's Bulls-
Sixers game, there were 92
missed shots between the two
teams, showing just how many
rebounds there are to be had.
During Shaq's prime, he did-
n't exactly tower over his fel-
low 7-footers, but he certainly
did power over them.
To the tune of 11.5 rebounds
as his career average.
So the great Shaq-Fu, on
average, didn't even manage
three rebounds each quart er.
Of the current league lead-
ers. only four players are aver-
aging 12 rebounds or more -
Dwight Howard at 15.2.
Marcus Camby with 13.9,
See BOARDS, page 81)

Post 21 First Annual Berdelle
Memorial Golf Tourney
SEBRING AmVets Post 21's First
Annual Tom Berdelle Memorial Golf
Tournament will be Saturday, Feb. 9 at
the Harder Hall Golf Course in
Sebring. Registration is from 7-7:45
a.m.
Shotgun start is 8 a.m.
Format is a four-person scramble.
Tournament will be flighted.
Beer, sodas and water available dur-
ing golf.
Lunch after at AmVets Post 21.
Cost: $50 per person (limited to the
first 36 foursomes).
Door prizes, raffles and more.
Checks must accompany registration
(must be received by Saturday, Feb. 2).
Make checks payable to AmVets Post
21, 2029 U.S. 27 South, Sebring, FL
33870.
A.P Girls Softball
AVON PARK Avon Park Girls
Softball is now accepting registrations
for the 2008 season for ages 5-15.
Pre-registration will be taken
Wednesday through Saturday, Jan. 9-
26, at Avon Park Chiropractic Clinic.
Registrations will also be taken from
9 a.m. to noon, on Saturdays, Jan. 19
and 26, at Lucy Derkman Field on
Anoka Avenue.
Birth certificates and registration fee
of $45 must be received at the time of
registration.
For information, call Amanda
Davidson at 443-1663.
Avon Park Baseball taking
registrations
AVON PARK Avon Park
Baseball is opening registration for its
T-ball and Minors divisions. Pre-regis-
trations can be taken at Top Shop in
Avon Park prior to Jan. 5.
Registrations will also be taken from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 5
and 12, at Burger King in Avon Park.
All packets must be complete at time
of registration with birth certificates
and registration fee of $45.
For information, call president Heath
Townsend at 453-7515.
Lake Placid Girls Softball
LAKE PLACID Lake Placid Girls
Softball is now accepting registrations
for the 2008 season for league age 7-9.
There will be a mini-camp held at
the Lake June Ball Fields during the
week of Jan. 14-18.
Registration forms will be available
during that week, sent home through
the schools or can be downloaded from
www.lpflrecreation.net.
Completed forms can be mailed in or
dropped off at the Holiday Inn Express,
Lake Placid.
Registration fees are $45 and a copy
of the players birth certificate is
required.
League Age for softball is the play-
ers' age as of June 1, 08.
Team and sign sponsors are always
needed. For more information or any
questions call Heather Carr 465-9187
or Sonja Warner at 441-4504.
Lake Placid Youth Baseball
LAKE PLACID LP Youth Baseball
is now accepting registrations for the
2008 season for league ages 5-10.
Registration forms will be sent out to
the schools the week of Dec. 10 and
can also be downloaded from
www.lpJirecreation.net.
Completed forms can be mailed to
LPYB at P.O. Box 1668, Lake Placid,
FL 33862, or dropped off at the
Holiday Inn Express, 608 S Lakeview
Rd., Lake Placid.
Registration deadline is Jan. 19,

ota sbiall

IWS Sebring i
lip?

when draft day will be held at 9 a.m.,
there will be no registrations taken
after the day of the draft.
T-Ball (ages 5-6) registration fee is
$30.
Leagues 7-8 and 9-10 registration fee
is $45.
League Age is defined as the play-
ers' age as of April 30, 08.
A copy of the players' birth certifi-
cate is required.
Call Sonja Warner at 441-4504, or
Heather Carr at 465-9187 if you have
any questions.
Team and sign sponsors are always
needed.
Run For Your Heart
LAKE PLACID Bring the kids -
bring the strollers bring your neigh-
bors this promises to be a great way
to get healthy and stay healthy.
The first Annual Greater Lake Placid
Chamber of Commerce 5k Family
Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday
February 16th.
"Run For Your Heart" is the theme
for this healthy family event.
The 5k Run/Walk is sponsored by
Florida Hospital Lake Placid,
Highlands Today, Holiday Inn Express
and The Lake Placid Journal.
Additional corporate sponsorships
are available.
Location
Race will start and end in DeVane
Park in beautiful downtown Lake
Placid. Shotgun start 7:30 a.m.
Entry Fee
$15.00 early registration through
February 15th
$20.00 day of race
Entry forms are available on the
Chamber web site at www.visitlake-
placidflorida.com or at the Chamber
office, which is located at 18 N. Oak
Street, Lake Placid.
Awards:
1st Place Overall Male and Female
1st Place Male and Female Masters
(40+)
1st Place Overall Hand Cycling
1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Male and
Female Age Groups
Age Groups:
Ages five (5) through eighty plus
(80+)
T-Shirts will be guaranteed to the
first 120 entrants
Girls Dixie Fast Pitch
SEBRING Sebring Girls Dixie
Youth Fastpitch Softball is now hold-
ing sign ups for girls ages 4 to 9 at the
Highlands County YMCA.
Ages 4-6 will be tee ball and 7-9
will be coach pitch.
For more information call Paul
Przychocki at 381-9072 or Mickey
Pack at 381-3395.
Season will start in January mid-
month. Please bring a copy of a childs
birth certificate.
Royal Palms Youth Bowling
LAKE PLACID Royal Palms
(Lake Placid) Youth Bowling League
for ages 7 up starts the spring season
on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008. New bowlers
are welcome. Sign up fee is $20 and
includes shirt.
Bowling is every Saturday morning,
Jan. 5 through April 12 at 9:30 a.m.
Cost weekly is $10 and includes
three games of bowling, shoes and
prize fund.
All youth league bowlers are eligible
for reduced rate open bowling (some
restrictions apply) and free bowling
with instruction on Fridays, 3-5 p.m.,
must be accompanied by an adult.
Come out for instruction and a good
time.
Call Donna Stanley, secretary, at
441-4897, for more information.

TENNIS
SUNDAY
7 p.m. Australian Open Early Round, Day 1 ......... ESPN2
3:30 a.m. Australian Open Early Round, Day 1 ......... ESPN2

MONDAY
9 p.m. Australian Open Early Round, Day 2 ......... ESPN2
3:30 a.m. Australian Open Early Round, Day 2 ......... ESPN2
TUESDAY
11 p.m. Australian Open Early Round, Day 3 ......... ESPN2
3:30 a.m. Australian Open Early Round, Day 3 ......... ESPN2

Minnesota 5, Chicago 2
N.Y. Islanders 5, Calgary 4, SO
Phoenix 4, Vancouver 3
Saturday's Games
Boston at Philadelphia, late
Dallas at Los Angeles, late
New Jersey at Buffalo, late
Detroit at Ottawa, late
Colorado at Carolina, late
Pittsburgh at Atlanta, late
Nashville at Columbus, late
Tampa Bay at Florida, late
Montreal at N.Y. Rangers, late
Toronto at San Jose, late
Sunday's Games
Philadelphia at Washington, 1 p.m.
Colorado at Florida, 5 p.m.
Phoenix at Minnesota, 6 p.m.
Vancouver at St. Louis, 6 p.m.
N.Y. Islanders at Ottawa, 7 p.m.
San Jose at Anaheim, 8 p.m.
Calgary at Edmonton, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Available from,
i ii ii ii ii i ii i ii i i i ii ii i i i iiiiiiii i ii iii

-CI HRWO ,i VL#D

---L

RA 01%0 AI rV J I

I M C LP I q6 A L % C M I C K

-*

Sunday, January 13, 2008 3D

I

I

I

I

PSrshitt

NI.'I

I nsdr: 1 )1 11 L (b
V

d
-1901M 0

wm- am
* e. 0

'I Ic S tlc

Jaguars

'

o 0. &-

q,

-a

404

"Copyrighted Material

Syndicated Content

Available from Commercial News Providers"
-W .-
m a. o momi

- -0

S* oo a
*0=90* dmmo

-

a dip

*m-
- e e

* ~
m

* ~

0 m m -pa

*M40

OW @5qm

0

wlpl ot U~

em 0. m mmwom%

_ ---I Sr

-gD

Q O

e *me

(41

0

Sebring Seniors enjoy new facilities over season's first two days

Special to the News-Sun
SEBRING Tuesday,
January 8, marked a huge
milestone for the Sebring
Senior Softball League
games.
It was the beginning of the
League's use of the new
Highlands County Sports
Complex in Sebring.
At 9 a.m. more than one
hundred players had arrived
and were anxiously trying to
locate their designated areas.
When the time for "let's
play ball" came, eight teams
began to play simultaneously
on four fields, a first-time-
ever for the League to be
gathered in one place.
There had been reorganiz-
ing of the teams with added
players and new managers.
Royal Palms came up with
a good season start by defeat-
ing Reflections 8-5.
Palms' Bob Fox belted out
a homer, and was responsible
for 3 RBI.
Teammates helping the

score were Bob MacCarrick
with a triple while Don
Thomas and Doug Hammond
each had a double.
Reflections' Bill Yeager
had three hits and the rest of
the team showed good defen-
sive backing.
Stan Turl's Rebels came out
on top with an 11-3 win over
Silent Salesman despite
Salesman's Harley Smith hit-
ting his first triple of the sea-
son.
The Rebels demonstrated
unexpected muscle-power
with Elwood Black hitting
three-for-three, and Tom
(Moose) Morrissette three-
for-three with a three-RBI
homer.
The real thriller of the game
was Fred Boyd belting a
grand slam.
The Klingons hung on to a
winning score of 19-5 against
the Highlands Independent
Bank Sebring.
HIBS seemed to hit directly

to the Klingons players and
Klingons hit to areas where
the Bankers weren't, making
for the lopsided score.
Klingons' Don Day had
four hits.
HIBS could boast of an out-
standing running catch in left
field by Harold Huff.
Aluminum Discount was
happy to acquire three new
players this season, which
attributed to a victory of 26-
13 over Highlands
Independent Bank Avon Park.
They reported "no heroes
and no goats" although man-
ager Leslie Smith belted out

four-for-four,
triples.
Thursday's
about some
upsets, such
outscoring
Independent
22-14.

including three

games brought
wider scoring
as the Rebels
Highlands
Bank Sebring

Their hot bats brought in
five runs before the first out
was made in two separate

innings.
Tony Caristo hit four for
four with a home run.
Elwood Black and Stan
Turl went three for four each
with a home run.
Tom Morrissette was four-
for-four, Gary Mattis three-
for-four with a double, and
Don Purdy three-for-four with
a triple.
HIBS started out with an
early lead of 9-1, but after the
sixth inning, the Rebels
closed the book on the Bank.
An honorable mention goes
to Harold Huff, 83 years
young, hitting four-for-five
including a home run, plus
another great catch in the out-
field.
Paul DuBrule and Bob
Binegar each went four-for-
five.
Silent Salesman came up
with a 16-11 victory over
Aluminum Discount after
falling behind 10-3 in the first
two innings of play.

Aluminum Discount began
the game in A-1 shape, scor-
ing five runs in the first and
second innings.
Then the Salesman put the
squeeze on them, battling for
the win and almost shut them
down.
Leslie Smith and Paul
Stevenson had three hits each.
Coming up big for the
Salesman was Mike Jurmu
going four-for-four including
a triple, and Jerry Johnston
having four-for-four with a
double Richard Godfrey hit
three-for-four.
Several good defensive
plays were made and good
pitching by Leo Lypps and
Harley. Smith contributed to
the come-from-behind win.
Royal Palms blasted
Highlands Independent Bank
Avon Park with a 15-2 score.
The Palms' Bob Floodine
thumped out a home run and
was responsible for five RBI
in the game.

Charlie Quinn hit a triple
and three RBI and Bob Fox
had three solid hits. with three
RBIs.
Helping the HIBAP team
was David Crotser with three
hits.
Reflections outshined the
Klingons with a score of 23-5.
Reflections scores included
Ed Lindberg-hitting four for
four with a homer.
Three hits each were credit-
ed to- Brian Pluta, Ron Lewis,
Dan Webb and Harry Bell.
John Kloet whipped out
two hits with a home run.
These were two enjoyable
days in the. new Complex
facilities.
Games are played each
Tuesday and Thursday at 10
a.m.
Spectators are encouraged
to come and watch the Seniors
exhibit their softball skills.
Bleachers are available, but
you may want to bring a lawn
chair for comfort.

DRAGONS
Continued from 1D
moment as McKeel ran off 11
straight points to even things
up at 60.
Waugh and Sholtz each hit
one free throw and Delbert
followed a free-throw miss
for two before Bozeman made
one free throw of his own for
a 64-61 and still-too precari-
ous of a lead with 2:13 left to
go.
The Dragon defense dug in
and held until Veley, after 20
minutes of icing and a new
tape-job, stepped back onto
the court.
Fouled inside, the cold
Veley missed his two foul
shots, but after pulling down a
defensive rebound and getting

LADIES
Continued from 1D
Dragon Samantha Worley
came in third with 200.
The 154-pound weight
class was the closet of the
first and second place finishes
on the day.
Lake Placid's Taquasha
Hawthorne lifted 145 pounds
for first and Sebring's
Michelle Bash made 140
pounds for second Avon
Park's Veronica Robinson
took third with 225 for a
Highlands County trifecta.
Avon Park took first and
second at 169 pounds with
Andejoua Nixon lifting 255
and Joanna Gautier lifting
220.
Third place went to Lexi
Harris from Lake Placid with
170.

fouled moments later, he
canned his next two before
Waugh added one more for
the final margin.
"The guys just really
stepped up," head coach Levi
Williams said. "We were a lot
more patient in the second
half, which we've been work-
ing on all year, and Bebo made
some huge three's for us."
The team will have a week
off to heal and prepare for a
big district matchup with
Frostproof on Friday.
"It's about the eighth time
I've sprained it," Veley said.
"But with the week off, I'll be
ready to play."
Something his coach is cer-
tainly thankful for.
"Thank God for the week
off," Williams said. "We're 3-
2 in district now and it's a

In the 183-pound weight
class, Adilene Macedo from
Hardee took first with 235
and Lady Devil Aja Cromedy
came in second with 220.
Avon Park's Shonkeria
Laster took first in the 199-
pound weight class with 270
while Sebring's Janeli Roman
came in second with 250.
Red Devil Tyikeia Willey
came in first for the unlimited
weight class with 260.
Lake Placid's Sarah Norris
took third with 195 for the
class.
Those advancing will head
to the Section 7 meet which
will be held in Port Charlotte
on January 24 from there,
the top three in each weight
class will advance to the state
meet February 9 at River
Ridge High School in New
Port Richey.

BOARDS
Continued from 1D
Chris Kaman at 13.8 and Al
Jefferson at an even 12.
That's four guys who are
getting three per quarter, and
none averaging even four.
Dennis Rodman, at 6-7,
averaged 13.1 for his career
and I'll say I'm impressed by
that.
Even more impressive, to
me, is Charles Barkley, who
averaged 11.7 rebounds per
game.
That's .2 more than Shaq has
for his career (and his injury
woes at this tail-end of his
career likely will drop his totals
a bit lower), and that was as a
6-6 power forward.
Although, talk to anyone
with knowledge of the NBA
and you'll soon find that the
'Round Mound of Rebound'
was actually a lot closer to 6-4.
Don't try to make me excited
about a double-double.
Wait until a guy gets a 20-20
before bothering me with it.
On a side-note, I find it
funny that ESPN, among other
sports media, talks about the
'scandal' that was the trip to
Mexico that Cowboy quarter-
back Tony Romo took with his
main squeeze, Jessica Simpson.
To my knowledge, the only
people who bothered to even
make mention of it were those
same sports media.
Sounds kind of like a 'Wag
the Dog' scenario, with the
media creating their own scan-
dal so they have a scandal to
talk about.

'It's about the
eighth time I've
sprained it. But
with the week off,
I'll be ready to
play.'

CONLIN VELEY
Lake Placid forward
race to number one if we can
beat Frostproof then it's a
fight between us, them and
Mulberry.
"But any time you can get a
win, you're proud of the
kids," he continued. "We just
want to teach them that when
they put in the hard work and
play the game well, that they
have a right to win."

News-Sun photo by
DAN HOEHNE
Avon Park's Zakia Hart
pauses a moment to focus
on the last portion of the
clean-and-jerk in Saturday's
sub-sectional at Sebring.

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

This toss is a shoe-in

Courtesy photo
Vergne Butcher of Button Wood Bay is a shoe-in as he tosses his horseshoe. His team
defeated Sunshine RV 21 to 11 while Lake Bonnet was victorious over Camp Inn 17 to
15 on Thursday.

GREAT LUNCH!!
INCLUDING: WILD GAME BAR-B-Q, SWAMP CABBAGE,
AND ALL THE FIXINGS
Great Shooting, Fellowship & Exciting Prizes
NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
Additional raffle tickets will be for sale during event

Participation Levels:
Gold Sponsorship $500.00
Includes up to 6 shooters, lunches, use of shooting cart, Gold
Sponsorship signage and recognition during awards ceremony
Team Sponsorship $300.00
Includes 4 shooters, lunch & a station sponsorship sign on course
Station Sponsorship $100.00
Includes lunch for two and sign on a station
Individual Shooter $60.00
Includes target shooting round & lunch
Lunch Only $20.00
Includes target shooting round & lunch
All levels include one raffle ticket per.shooter registered.
Extra tickets for great prizes will be available at the event!
Please sign me up for a (gold, team, station sponsor, individual, or lunch.)
Enclosed is my check for $
Sponsor name For additional info call 863-655-6477
Mail or Fax form to:
Contact name KHCB
Address 6000 Skinn r Rd

Phone
Team Member Names

ILA/N.J4 ru m eU[ LIc vvnoie raIny 1

-tai InJustin.AuaicCente

DVVV *amiI|^U IMU.
Sebring, FL 33876
Fax: 863-655-6480

-L

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Real Estate
Market
Charles Kovaleski

Real estate

contracts:

Protecting your

investment

For most homeowners.
their real estate invest-
ment plays a critical role
in their overall financial
strategies of maintaining
balanced portfolios.
Rising prices, increased
values and creative
financing have each driv-
en up the stakes in buying
a home, making real
estate contracts more
important than ever.
In short, the one-size-
fits-all forms that can be
found on the Internet and
in office supply stores
rarely suit the disparate
needs of today's buyers
and sellers-meaning
more homeowners are opt-
ing for customized real
estate contracts to protect
one of their most impor-
tant investments.
Although these special-
ly drawn real estate con-
tracts contain mostly stan-
dard legal language, spe-
cial attention should be
paid to the contingencies,
or conditions, under
which the house is being
bought. A lot of money
can be lost over the
-See CONTRACTS, page 2

SEBRING Jeanne Butler has wan-
dered down the footpaths of life's ever
changing journey and to the contrary
returned home.
Butler is proud to announce she has
moved back with her family at Century
21 Advanced All Service Realty at 1843
U.S. 27 North crossroads of Thunderbird
Road and U.S. 27, across from the "new
mall."
Butler was voted Highlands' Most
Congenial Realtor by her peers and has
been in the real estate sales force for 14

years. Hard work, dedi-
cation, and trust are all a
part of her evolving
career from Top Sales
Agent in Nationally
known franchised firms
she was associated with
and managed, and at one Butler
time owned her own
company.
Butler also works in Lake Placid,
splitting her day at a model town-home
she works from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily

Monday-Friday and by appointments on
weekends at Windsor Lakeside Village,
a new waterfront community with an
Assisted and an Independent Living
Facility for the concept of aging in
place. The model is off County Road
621 at 232 Trafalgar Way, Lake Placid.
Call or stop in for more information.
Butler gives the white glove treat-
ment. She can help you on your magical
journey in finding your way home.
Call her at 202-4444 for all your real
estate needs.

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

Nancy Reyburn joins Prudential Sanders Realty

SEBRING Nancy
Reyburn has recently joined
Prudential Sanders Realty as
a sales associate. The
announcement was made by
Bill Montgomery, sales man-
ager of Prudential Sanders
Realty Sebring office.
Reyburn brings a wealth of
experience and knowledge to
Prudential Sanders Realty
will be a great asset to the
company. She was a consis-
tent member of the
Multimillion Dollar plus
Club as an associate with
Prudential WCI in Coral
Springs for five years and
brings with her more than 27
years of real estate experi-
ence.
"I am excited to join
Prudential Sanders Realty,"
Reyburn said.
Prudential has national
recognition and relocation in
every state.

Reyburn

"Nancy shares Prudential
Sander's commitment to
quality and customer serv-
ice," Montgomery said. "She
is exactly the type of sales
professional we are seeking,
as we continue to grow the
company, and increase our
presence in the local commu-

nity."
"Prudential Sanders Realty
focus on the customer and its
goal to provide the best prod-
ucts and services for its sales
professionals are what makes
affiliating with Prudential
Sanders Realty the best
choice possible," Reyburn
said.
The Prudential Real Estate
Network consists of compa-
nies that are hand-selected
based upon outstanding per-
formance records, high levels
of customer service and
shared business values. Upon
joining the Prudential Real
Estate Network, the fran-
chisee's sales professionals
are provided with many bene-
fits during and after the tran-
sition. These benefits range
from access to a free and pri-
vate website that links sales
professionals to a 24/7
resource, to increased media

exposure through an advertis-
ing campaign that encom-
passes some of America's
most watched networks and
print media.
In addition, The Prudential
Real Estate Affiliates Inc. is
the largest real estate adver-
tiser in The Wall Street
Journal.
The Prudential Real Estate
Affiliates Inc.'s educational
programs and networking
events continue to be a top-
rated benefit of affiliation.
From Prudential University.
corn and Prudential
University on Tour, to CD-
ROM based-training and live
training in The Prudential
Real Estate Affiliates, Inc.'s,
and Regional Training
Centers affiliates have the
opportunity to learn the
industry's best practices case
studies to potentially boost
sales.

Florida Association of Mortgage Brokers encourages consumers to learn about loan program

Special to the News-Sun
TALLAHASSEE
Homeownership is one of the
key steps to financial security
and the realization of the
"American Dream." For most
people, buying a home is the
single most important finan-
cial decision that they will
ever make. The Florida
Association of Mortgage
Brokers would like to make
sure consumers are aware that
a wide variety of loan pro-
grams exist and that con-
sumers will ultimately be the
ones to choose which loan
program they will use.
Prior to making that deci-
sion, the FAMB recommends
that borrowers discuss all
appropriate program options
in detail with their mortgage
professional such as FAMB
members who subscribe to a
strict code of ethics.
Consumers and their mort-
gage professionals need to
consider factors such as how
long they intend to live in the
home, how much money they
have for a down payment and
whether the consumer is look-
ing for consistency or flexi-
bility with their mortgage
payment before making a
final decision. It is extremely
important for consumers to

CONTRACTS
Continued from 1

"minor details" if they're not
clearly written into the con-
tract.
Your attorney can guide
you through your contract,
spelling out in proper
legalese the exact terms
under which you will buy the
home and making sure
those terms are legally
enforceable.
The basic elements of a
contract include:
Purchase price-it may
not be your final offer, but it
should be realistic.
Full names of buyers
and sellers, plus their marital
status.
Address and proper legal
description of the property.
Earnest money deposit,
usually 3 percent to 5 percent
of the purchase price placed
into an escrow account after
the home inspection contin-
gencies have been met.
Closing costs and who
pays them.
Amount of commission
paid to Realtor.
Bill of sale that
describes and itemizes any
exchange of personal proper-
ty.
Date and place of clos-
ing.
Date the seller will
vacate the home.
Responsibility for pay-
ment of utilities until you
take possession.
But when it comes to con-

understand that a fixed rate
mortgage is one where the
interest rate stays the same
throughout the life of the loan
while an adjustable rate mort-
gage means that the interest
rate will begin at one level
and adjust to higher rate at a
predetermined intervals
throughout the life of the
loan.
While the actual choice of
loan program options depends
on the lender, some of the
most popular choices are:
* 30-Year Fixed Rate The
monthly payment and interest
rate are the same for 30 years.
A 30-Year Fixed Rate plan
offers unmatched stability;
consumers know what their
financial obligations are for
the next 30 years. Also,
because this is a 30-year time
period instead of a 15-year
time period, monthly pay-
ments will be more modest
compared to shorter payment
plan.
* 15-Year Fixed Rate The
monthly payment and interest
rate are the same for 15 years.
Like the 30- Year Fixed Rate,
the 15 year model offers the
consumer stability. However,
consumers will be on a much
more ambitious monthly pay-
ment schedule with a 15-Year
Fixed Rate plan than a 30-

tingencies, consult your real
estate attorney to ensure you
have included all applicable
to your specific sale.
Common contingencies
include:
Financing contingency.
This makes the deal depend-
ent upon your receiving the
mortgage you're applying
for, specifying cancellation
rights and return of earnest i,
money deposit if you can't
arrange adequate or accept-
able financing
Home inspection. If you
are not satisfied with the
home's inspection report, this
clause covers your right to
force the seller to make
repairs and/or lower the price
of the home or you can
opt out of the contract.
Home sale contingency.
Allows a specific timeframe
for you to sell your current
home.
Clear title. The seller has
to give you a clear and mar-
ketable title to the property.
Appraisal contingency.
Gives the buyer the option to
terminate the contract if the
lender's appraisal of the
property is lower than the
purchase price.
Return of earnest
money. Should the transac-
tion collapse through no fault
of your own i.e., you
don't get the loan or the sell-
er can't or won't meet one of
your contingencies this
clause says you get your
deposit money back.
Liability for fire or other
hazards. If something hap-

Year Fixed Rate.
* 3-Year Adjustable Rate -
The monthly payment and
interest rate are the same for
three years. Beginning in the
fourth year, the monthly pay-
ment and interest rate may
rise every year for the rest of
the loan period. The key to a
3-Year Adjustable Rate
Mortgage is to get your fiscal
house in order well before the
first adjustment and refi-
nance. These loans are riskier
than other loans, but be a
viable option for many people
when utilized correctly.
* 1-Year Adjustable Rate -
The monthly payment and
interest rate are the same for
the first year of the mortgage
and then may rise at a pre-
determined interval there-
after. It is important to make
sure that you are capable of
meeting the monthly payment
when the interest rate adjusts
and work with your mortgage
originator to figure out a way
to refinance accordingly.
* 5-Year Balloon Mortgage -
The monthly payment and
interest rate are the same for
five years. At the end of the
fifth year, the loan is due in
full, which means the borrow-
er must refinance into a new
loan program if they are stay-
ing in the home, or sell the
home and pay the loan bal-

pens to the house after the
contract has been signed but
before you actually move in,
this clause protects you from
liability.
Items that do or do not
come with the house, which
can include anything from
lawn furniture to special
lamp fixtures. If there is
something that the buyer
wants to go with the house, it
should be put in writing and
included in the contract.
Remember, every contin-
gency, no matter who origi-
nated it, should have a defi-
nite timeframe. Also, because
verbal agreements are not
recognized in Florida, be
sure to have your real estate
attorney write everything into
the purchase contract, which
is a legally binding docu-
ment.
Finally, don't be pressured
into signing a contract that
your real estate attorney has
not thoroughly reviewed and
revised.

Charles J. Kovaleski is presi-
dent of Attorneys' Title
Insurance Fund, Inc., (The
Fund) the leading title insur-
ance underwriter in Florida.
Acknowledged as the Florida
residential real estate expert,
The Fund has been in business
for more than 50 years and
supports a network of more
than 6,000 attorney agents
statewide who practice real
estate law. For more informa-
tion, visit wwwfunidhomeinfo.
com. Kovaleski is also immedi-
ate past president of the Amer-
ican Land Title Association.

ance in full.
* Interest Only Mortgage -
The consumer only pays
interest for a fixed period of
time instead of making pay-
ments towards principal as
well, which keeps the month-
ly payments low.
"There are a tremendous

Now is the

time to

invest in

real estate

The cost of living is higher
than ever, there's weakness in
the job market, stocks are in a
free-fall and the housing mar-
ket is in a slump. Sounds like
a bad time to be a real estate
investor, or is it?
According to G. William
Barnett II, author of "Are You
Dumb Enough to Be Rich?"
from AMACOM Books,
exactly the opposite is true.
"These are the times smart
real estate investors live for.
There's more money to be
made in chaos than at any
other time, and no other
investment strategy has creat-
ed more millionaires than real
estate," he says.
In the just released second
edition of his book, Barnett,
who has more than a decade
of experience in real estate
investing, has added chapters
that lay out his strategies for
being successful in the cur-
rent marketplace. The key, he
says, is knowing how to deci-
pher not only -which markets,
to invest in,,but which neigh-
borhoods hold the key to
wealth.
"One of the greatest frus-
trations I had early in my
career was reading about
places where great things
were happening, but not hav-
ing the confidence to take
advantage of them," says
Barnett, who still regrets not
investing in Hawaii back in
the late 1990s when the crash
of the Japanese stock market
sent housing prices into a free
fall. "Back then, I told my
wife we have to invest in
Hawaii. She said, 'No, we
don't know anything about
that market.' If I had known
then what I know now, boy
would I be better off."
Barnett has spent the past
decade finessing an invest-
ment strategy he calls "Hot
Mapping," which is outlined
in the new edition. "Basically
it's a business overlay that
you can apply to any market
in the U.S. to identify the
areas in that market you
should be investing in,' he
explains.
Here's a brief synopsis of
how it works. Step one is to
establish a market's median

amount of options out there
for consumers," said Ritch
Workman, President of the
FAMB. "Ultimately, the
choice will be up to the con-
sumer. It is important that
they become experts on these
choices and mortgage profes-

sionals are there to help in
that process."
For more information or to
find a mortgage broker in
your area, visit the consumer
information page on the
FAMB Web site at
wwwfamb.org.

ided b Corbis
Photo provided by Corbis
G. William Barnett II, author of 'Are You Dumb Enough to
Be Rich?', says the real estate market in Central Florida and
San Diego areas are prime right now.

price, which you can do with
the help of resources on the
Internet. Next you'll want to
purchase two maps. One elec-
tronic, the other a 6-by-6-foot
map that covers the town or
county you want to invest in.
Step three will be to break
down the market from a pric-
ing standpoint using color
coding.
"Once you finish making
your map, pick up the classi-
fieds and start adding pins
representing each of the
homes for sale. This tech-
nique gets you to the point
where you can just pick up the
phone, call an agent and tell
them exactly which subdivi-
sion you want to look at and
how much you're willing to
pay. You're in essence equip-
ping the agent to do a great
job for you," says Barnett.
In "Are You Dumb Enough
to Be Rich?," Barnett offers
other strategies for making a
fortune in real estate, includ-
ing instructions on how to
find and take ownership of
troubled properties before
they go into foreclosure and
how to move faster than your
competition when it comes to
getting your hands on lists of
already foreclosed properties

the banks and mortgage com-
panies want to sell.
As for the housing markets
Barnett likes best right now,
he says number one is Las
Vegas, which currently has
$10 billion worth of commer-
cial construction going on and
will soon have a demand for
thousands of new employees.
He also likes San Diego,
which due to this summer's
fires doesn't have enough
housing to meet its citizens'
needs; and Central Florida
which thanks to the Disney
empire will always have room
for growth.
"Real estate is cyclical.
Before you know it, the econ-
omy will recover and banks
and mortgage companies will
once again become more cre-
ative in their lending prac-
tices. Then there will be
another string of foreclosures,
and smart investors like you
will be lined up to help clean
up the mess," says Barnett.
The second edition of "Are
You Dumb Enough to Be
Rich?" is available for pur-
chase at bookstores nation-
wide or visit www.amacom
books.org for more informa-
tion.
Courtesy of ARAcontent

Seller dropped $34,000 from this Golf Hammock Pool Home Now only
SUCH A beautiful home on THE LAKE with spectacular views from most every room. A GREAT $265,000 Subject to "Short Sale Bank Approval" 3 bedroom, 2 bath,
BOATINGAREA FROM THE DOCK FISHING TOO. YOU WILL LOVE THE OPEN TYPE SPUT PLAN 2 car garage Master suite w/awesome Bath Lanai Many other great
HIGH CEILINGS 3 BEDROOMS 2 LOVELY BATHS, BIG FAMILY ROOM. A MUST SEE. features Electronic Pool System. Must See!
Only... $365,000 MLS#199622 265,000 MLS#199870

The sky is falling, the sky
is falling! Or so you would
think if you listened to all the
news coverage about the
mortgage market. The news is
filled with reports of declin-
ing home values, resetting
adjustable-rate mortgages and
people feeling the pinch of
tightened credit.
However, despite the doom
and gloom, much of the media
haven't reported on the
proverbial silver linings in the
storm clouds. One of the
bright spots is the resurgence
in popularity of a loan pro-
gram that has been around
since the 1930s the Federal
Housing Administration
(FHA) loan.
Historically used almost
exclusively by consumers to
purchase their first home
because of its low down pay-
ment requirements and com-
petitive rates, FHA loans are
making a comeback and
quickly gaining prominence
among those looking to refi-
nance as well.
"A large number of people
are really benefiting from the
FHA loan program, and what
is most interesting is many of
them have just recently been
turned down for more tradi-
tional conventional loans,"

says Bob Walters, chief econ-
omist for Quicken Loans, one
of the nation's largest mort-
gage lenders. "This program
isn't the answer for everyone,
but we have found that it can
be a very viable option for
many people."
According to Walters, FHA
loans are being used by con-
sumers for cash-out refinanc-
ings, or to consolidate debt up
to 95 percent of the home's
value moves that are
extremely difficult and often
not financially practical to
make with current conven-
tional lending guidelines.
"Through the first half of
2007, homeowners had no
problem making their mort-
gages work for them.
However, since that time,
tighter lending guidelines
have resulted in many loan
programs being taken off the
table. Fortunately, FHA loans
can fill some of the void.
When used responsibly, FHA
loans can provide much-need-
ed relief. Every day, we help
clients purchase homes, pay
off medical expenses, elimi-
nate high-interest credit card
debt and generally improve
their financial position
through the FHA program,"
Walters adds.

Homekeys expands technology-driven, real estate

services model to serve nearly all of Florida

\' "

Many families find help
through FHA loans.

Consumers are also finding
that in some instances, FHA
loans can close very quickly,
in less than 14 business days
in some cases.
"The bottom line is that
FHA loans are an option for
many folks, but not for every-
one. It is very important that
every homeowner consult
with a reputable lender who
will listen to their needs and
goals, and then suggest the
best mortgage for them. In
some cases it could be an
FHA loan, and in others it
may be a conventional fixed
or adjustable rate mortgage.
What is important is that the
loan actually works for the
consumer and puts them in
the best possible financial
position," Walters concludes.
For more information about
FHA loans, visit
www.QuickenLoans.com/FHA

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Homeowners in 50 Florida counties can
now save half or more of the real estate
commission when selling their homes

MIAMI Homekeys has expanded its sell-
er service areas to reach three quarters of the
state of Florida. The Florida-based real estate
company previously offered home buyer
rebates throughout the entire sunshine state
and seller services in 26 Florida counties. The
service area expansion extends the company's
seller offerings to 24 additional counties for a
total of 50 Florida counties served.
Property taxes, insurance and Florida
"homes for sale" inventory have increased
while transaction volume and the availability
of mortgage financing have decreased. The
Homekeys expansion comes in response to
hundreds of requests from Florida residents
looking for relief. "By expanding our service
areas, Homekeys is able to help more Florida
homeowners save at least half the money they
would normally pay in commission when they
sell their home," says Manuel Iraola, president
and chief executive officer of Homekeys.
The team at Homekeys believes in offering
sellers the broadest range of exposure and
assistance options when it comes to selling
their homes. "Each individual is unique and
has different needs. They should be able to
determine the level of involvement they wish
to have in the selling process, without having
to sacrifice-service for savings," adds Iraola.
The company offers "hands on" sellers flat fee
listings in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS),
Realtor.com and a myriad of other real estate
Web sites for as little as $269. Sellers that
desire more assistance can select the

Homekeys Seller's Advantage(tm) program
which provides enrollees full service for only
$69 plus 1 percent commission at closing, if
they are willing to simply show their own
property. And, those who need it, can also opt
for traditional full service.
Homekeys' service offerings, along with the
free information, tools and resources available
on the homekeys.net website provide what is
arguably the most comprehensive solution
available to Florida home sellers who are
seeking control in the real estate transaction
and who want to save money. "By combining
innovative tools and technology with the serv-
ices people need, Homekeys delivers real
value at an extremely low price point," Iraola
said. "We feel that Homekeys is the best alter-
native for sellers who want to take charge of
their real estate transactions, get better results
and preserve the equity that's lost through high
transaction costs."
Homekeys' expansion adds their seller
offerings to the following Florida counties:
Highlands, Alachua, Bradford, Calhoun,
Citrus, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gulf,
Hardee, Hernando, Holmes, Jackson,
Jefferson, Leon, Marion, Monroe, Okaloosa,
Santa Rosa, St. Johns, Wakulla, Walton and
Washington.

HomeXperts Inc., which does business as
Homekeys, is a South-Florida based developer,
integrator and distributor of innovative Web-
based content, applications and resources for
the real estate market. The company offers
Floridians more ways to buy and sell, all backed
by Homekeys' innovative technology and servic-
es.

BOARD
Continued from 1

Compton Realty
Alternates Eve Fay of
C. S. Edwards Realty Inc.,
and Michael Sanders,
Prudential Sanders.
The Multi-listing Service
(MLS) also has a new lineup
of leaders:
President James Hill,
Broker, Florida Scenic Realty,

erously donated the use of
their meeting hall. Live
music, dancing, contests,
snacks, door prizes and raffle
prizes were all part of an
exciting evening.
The annual Lake Placid
Board of Realtors awards ban-
quet will be Saturday, Feb. 9,
at the Elks Club. The theme
this year is "Key West." Plan
to attend. Wear your best
"Key West" barbecue/margar-
itaville beach attire (no overly

revealing bathing suits) and
bring your laid back, fun in
the sun, attitude. Save the
date in your brand new plan-
ner/newest electronic gizmo
(or mark the date, ink it in,
depending on from where you
hail).
The 'Lake Placid Board of
Realtors' Ambassadors are
still making the Identity Theft
presentations, free, to your
coffee klatch, homeowners
association, club, church

ATTRACTIVE PRICE! PARADISE ON TREASURE CAY! BEST PRICE!
This 2/2/2 villa overlooks the 4" Spacious 4/3/3 custom With over 1200 LSF, this 2/2
fairway & has many improvements heated pool home is situated home w/cathedral ceilings is
to include new appliances, new on a cul-de-sac lot located on located on over a '/2 of an acre &
A/C, & newly painted exterior!! the 13'" fairway. all appliances are included!
Cormorant Point-Golf Hammock Country Club of Sebring Cormorant Point-Golf Hammock
$151,000 $549,000 $159,900
... ......

NEW CORMORANT PT. HOME! JUST LISTED!
With over 1600 LSF this Situated on the 18"
brand new, beautifully designed fairway this 3/2/2 plus
2/2/2 plus den offers many office home has beautiful
desired features! back yard view!
Cormorant Point-Golf Hammock Country Club of Sebring
$199,900 $298,700
------- T-M

A GREAT ESTATE!
Situated on over an acre,
this 4/3/2 custom heated pool
home w/office & media room
offers many features. Perfect
for a large family!
Golf Hammock
$449,900

Situated on a
1 '/2 acre lot this
custom 3/2.5/office
home has it all!
Country Club of Sebring
$424,900
........,--- -.- m me.m..,,^,^

Golf Hammock
$524,900

p- I I Im

m

.~cJ. r- -

. N r mwmm Is I- A I

.i.

i .

The News-Sun www.newssun.com

4 Sunday, January 13, 2008
a SS
a- ^ / ^-, !. .

.A~i"' "^S WSj

REALTOR

EQUAL HOUSING
OPPORTUNITY

Jim Coffey
Realtor

Sylvia Barajas
Realtor

Amber Sapp
Realtor

Helen Salter Diane Rydecki
Realtor Realtor

vers...we havep hoesaidbehaiqa for NO DOV

PAYMENT!& jdibs4t&tya.iwIf hlp eygou own you own homne!

II 1 m.. I

OAK ISLAND HOME
A remarkable home with a large floor plan that offers 3
bedrooms, 2 baths, living room, dining room, and family
room complete with gas fireplace complimented with
floor to ceiling rock facing. Lovely pool with waterfall
return overlooking the HUGE backyard and canal area.
$299,900 MLS 198896 Ask for Sheri

A REMARKABLE HOME
This lovely home offers a view of LAKE JUNE from your front
yard across the street as well as majestic shade trees throughout
the yard. Home shows light, bright and spacious with cathedral
ceilings and open floor plan. French doors open from living
area and master bedroom to screened rear porch.
$229,900 MLS 193943 Ask for Sheri

QUIET' COMMUNITY
Perfect for full time or seasonal residents. Relax
in the jacuzzi on the screen patio! Spacious, light,
bright double wide has newer kitchen appliances
and cabinetry. Near shopping and dining facilities.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY
...for anyone wanting space to stretch out and enjoy them-
selves. A perfect home for fun and enjoyment on Lake June,
with plenty of space for the whole family. Class and elegance
grace this property inside and out! From granite countertops
to marble faced fireplace, who could ask for anything more?
$399,000 MLS 196648 Ask for Sheri

s

SO MUCH MORE
...than meets the eye! This home sits on 1 and '/2 lots providing
ample space for parking a motor home.This lovely home has recently
undergone a "face lift" and presents itself beautifully, complimented
by a brick, wood burning fireplace in the living room. Home is
wheelchair friendly offering spacious floor plan and large doorways.
$149,900 MLS 196932 Ask for Sheri

Scott & Sheri Hutchins

Realtor

Broker

Marlene uamos
Realtor

Ask for Aixa

SERENE PLACID LAKES HOME
Exceptionally built, well maintained, and beautifully
decorated, ready to move into. Home features split
floor plan, breakfast nook and dining room, 12x30
screened porch can be used for family room
overlooking beautiful landscaped back yard.
$185,000 MLS 199644 Ask for Helen